For the past few days I've had a verse that kept coming to my mind. It's not your typical verse for the Easter season. In fact, it's more common during the Christmas season because it directs our attention towards God and reminds us of the gift that He gave with the birth of his Son. I'm sure most of you already know which verse I'm referring to. It's John 3:16.
So why is this particular verse grabbing my attention this week when most people are reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus and not his birth? To satisfy my curiosity I finally decided to look up the verse. What I discovered may surprise you. This verse has more in common with Easter than I originally thought. You see, John 3:16 has to be read with John 3:14 and 15 to understand the gift of God was not only with the birth of his Son, but also in the death and resurrection of his Son.
"...the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Isn't it interesting how something can get lost in our traditions? Jesus said in Matthew 18:11 "The Son of Man came to save that which was lost." (NKJV) not "the lost". Sadly most people won't see this because this verse is not in every translation. That which was lost was the ability to have a relationship with the heavenly Father and enter into His presence. A price had to be paid and that price was fully paid with the death and resurrection of his Son.
This relationship with the heavenly Father is available for all who believe. The beauty of this amazing reality is that God does not wait for us to enter into His presence. He brings the fullness of His presence into our hearts the moment we believe so that we can experience new life with Him - all because of His love for you.
