Incomprehensible Love

February 20, 2016

Opening Hymns:
61 Come, Thou Almighty King http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh061.sht

Scripture Reading:
John 3:1-17
3:1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.

3:2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God."

3:3 Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."

3:4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?"

3:5 Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

3:6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.

3:7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.'

3:8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

3:9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"

3:10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

3:11 "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.

3:12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

3:14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

3:15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

3:17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Message

The last lines in the scripture today are beautifully powerful. Jesus is stating why He has been sent. Through His ministry we can clearly see that Jesus came to save and not condemn. He heals people, casts out demons, and offers the forgiveness of sins. Even His messages show HOW we should live more often than how NOT to live. He wants to guide us to salvation, not show us why we fell short.

The Pharisees have a different method of teaching. When we hear the Pharisees talk it is often them pointing out that someone has broken the law. They know what is against the law according to the scriptures, and seek out to punish the wrongdoer. No wonder it’s hard for Nicodemus to understand what Jesus is talking about.

Even I have a hard time fully grasping what Jesus says. It can be hard to accept that we have been born again into God’s family. The unconditional love that Jesus gives us is incomprehensible. Can we remember Jesus’ calling, and seek to show others love and forgiveness? Can we allow Jesus to warm our hearts so that we have the strength to love and forgive ourselves?

Time of Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the unconditional love that You have given us all. Let us share Your gift of love to everyone we meet through our words, actions, and prayers. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
438 Forth in Thy Name, O Lord http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh438.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God