Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is John 3:17

 

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

 

When our first parents chose sin rather than obedience, condemnation was brought upon us all; sin and the propensity for sin were passed to all mankind. But God did not wag His finger in the face of man and berate him for his transgression and horrible choice. God’s desire was for fellowship with man and He was not about to allow sin to rob Him of His desire. God, in His infinite mercy, chose to erase the sin by paying the penalty of it Himself. “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19 Through Christ Jesus, God has done that which Satan could not foresee. Satan, while he outwitted man, did not foresee the depth of the love of God. He did not understand God’s love at all. He did not understand that God’s love does not let go, give up, give in, or fail. He also did not realize that God’s love would become a person, and through Him, the very expression of the relationship with man that God desired would be expressed. He did not realize that, while He had been successful in his deception of our first parents, his power against God was nothing. He was crushed in utter defeat by the power of love flowing through Jesus Christ.

 

God who could have condemned the world, instead chose to save us. He is the expression of a love that is incomprehensible through natural means; it can only be received by those who put their faith in Him and thereby receive the love that He freely offers.

 

Satan deceived man and brought sin and destruction through the flesh. Jesus does not appeal to the flesh; He brings life through the Spirit. He came “that the world through Him might be saved.” It is the most selfless act ever witnessed on earth; the just giving His life for the unjust. The one who could have condemned us chose not to; instead, He chose to die in our place. He, who had been rejected, gave His life for those who rejected Him. Perfection embraced imperfection so that imperfection could become perfect. Thank God that He did not condemn us. Thank God that through Christ, we can be saved.

 

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim