Thursday, March 7, 2024
“Read John 3:1-21”
Today’s Lenten Challenge, to Read John 3:1-21, is appropriate for several reasons. First, it contains the most famous Bible Scripture of all time, John 3:16. Second, the passage also contains the lectionary reading for most Christian Churches for this upcoming weekend.
In effect, I’m laying some groundwork for this weekend’s worship services. I’m guessing that most people who take the time to read a daily devotion will probably attend worship somewhere, either in person or online. As one of the thousands of pastors preaching on this passage this weekend, I’m saving myself a few minutes to explain a thought on this passage.
But I shouldn’t get too carried away. The Biblical context of John 3:16 is obviously important, but what’s more important? The manner in which the passage was originally used or the manner by which I apply it to my current situation?
That’s a really bad question, ain’t it? History is important, but it’s not necessarily more important than the present or future. As a teacher of history, I tend to lean toward the historical perspective. However, I’m not willing to trade history if it counts against me in the present, especially if my life is all cookies and cream. Yet again, I wouldn’t want to trade the present for my future, either, because I need hope for the future to help determine my current decisions.
I suppose this means that the past, present, and future are all important. John 3:16 is a passage that very prominently fits all three categories. There’s a reason why we hang a sign behind the goalposts or Homeplate at the ballgames: It makes a difference. If one sentence can have such a powerful impact, how much more of an impact can living a life of Faith make?
Today is the halfway mark of the 2024 Lenten Season. There’s still plenty of time to make a commitment for the next few weeks. Or, if we started and have since failed in a commitment, today can be the do-over. We can have a restart because of John 3:16, and that may be the biggest reason of all to complete today’s Lenten Challenge.
Read John 3:1-21 today!
“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.” (John 3:16, NIV)
