“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”– 1 John 3:1“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”– 1 John 4:9
“Behold” he says, which means give your full attention in every possible way. And seeing the subject, “what manner of love the Father hath bestowed”, it is easy to see why! When you think of love you might think of many things– such as a mother’s tender touch, or a soldier’s sacrifice, or a friend’s faithfulness. But to get the best, the perfect, picture of love you have to look back to the old rugged cross where Jesus suffered, bled , and died. You can’t miss seeing it there!
It is there that we see the Best give the most for the worst who deserve the least. It’s called “grace”. It was there that God gave His Son who gave Himself as the sacrifice for sinners. As bad as we are, He gave His blood to redeem us out of the bondage of sin and bring us into the family of God. Indeed, as the song writer said, “What love is this?”. We cannot measure such love, for it is infinite. We cannot comprehend such love, for it is immutable. We cannot deny such love, for it is indisputable. We cannot lose such love, for it is indestructible. And we need not doubt such love for it is insured. Confirmed by the One who cannot lie.
Although the greatness of His love “passeth knowledge” (Eph. 3:19), we can experience and enjoy it. Regardless of the depth of our depravity we are assured that God loves us. He loves the world! Let us then look at the cross where we see — the Father’s will obeyed
– the curse endured
– the penalty paid
– the justice of God satisfied
– the enemy defeated
– redemption provided
– reconciliation secured
– the way to God opened
– love displayed
No sweeter words were ever heard than Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” There are no words to describe the greatness of His love toward us. It is immeasurable!. As someone said, “He cannot love you more and He will not love you less!”. Let us then be always and forever “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ( Heb. 12:2). It is in seeing Him “lifted up” ( John 12:38) that we are drawn to Him. It is at the cross we see His love and “We love him, because he first loved us” ( 1 John 4:19). – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
