Hymn 92, “God Is Longing”
I’ve been thinking of that familiar verse that most of the religious world and we can recite like parrots. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” I like to think of how much God loves us.
When up north, and driving on ice roads, one day we fellows decided to go ice fishing. The day was nice, we were enjoying ourselves and drove much further than we thought. We drilled holes and went fishing, and you know how it is when you are enjoying yourselves — time got away. It got late. We had a young boy with us, an only son. He was pleased to be with us and we were pleased to have him. We enjoyed the day, but now it was late. There was no cell phone service and we knew we were going to catch it. We finally pulled into the driveway and it was very late. The Mom and Dad met us in the doorway, standing in their housecoats. Oh no! We just knew we were going to catch it! But instead, we were greeted with a warm welcome. “Come in! We’re glad you’re home and safe. How was your day?” There was a warm meal and a warm bed awaiting us; that’s when we realized how much love there is for the natural son and how much love there is for the only begotten Son of God. God gave Jesus, His only begotten Son, for us. It’s His gift to us. What did Jesus do on this earth? He was giving; He gave His life for us.
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” “Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” God gave His Son to us and Jesus’ gift to us was His life. He loved me and He loved you so much that He gave His life. He gave a sinless life. He gave Himself to His Father every day. We have the Father who gave His Son and we have Jesus who gave His life and He gave a ministry.
Acts 2, the ministry was filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 6:2, there were some being neglected and the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, “It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables, (Verse 4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” This is what the ministry does. They leave all natural goods behind so they can fully give to us. This is not a selfish life but a giving life that His ministers live. We have a ministry who give themselves for His people.
Acts 15:3 is our part in giving. “And being brought on their way by the church…” (Verse 4) “And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church…”
We help the ministry to give their life and do God’s will. Our part is in just helping the ministry continue. The ministry is on the receiving end of your giving. Giving of ourselves is not mandatory but it is because of love. If we change the verse and put our own name in there, it would read, “If Brady so loved the world that Brady gave his life…” If we’re willing to do that…May we increase our love and give ourselves for God and may we give more deeply and may we give ourselves for eternity.