Daily Devotional (July-29-2023) THE FATHER’S GIFT.
Scripture Reference: John 3:16 - For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish but have eternal life.
Growing up as a believer, a certain man used to love Jesus so much and was afraid of the Father. He thought the Father is like his earthly father, and Jesus is the nice guy who loved him beyond words. Then, he kept reading the words of Jesus which include but not limited to - “I and the Father are One [in essence and nature].” John 10:30; Jesus rebuked Philip who despite all he had seen, felt and experienced asked to be shown the Father - Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and you do not know Me yet, Philip, nor recognize clearly who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ John 14:9). As he grew in the faith, he began to understand that Jesus is the express image of the Father and everything that he loved in Jesus, the Bible records that Jesus got it from “His Father”- He is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation. Colossians 1:15
God is good and every good and perfect Gift comes from Him who is above and above all - Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. James 1:17 When Adam fell, mankind lost dominion and became dead due to sin. God planned your redemption whilst you were in sin and in His mercy gave you a gift instead of the punishment you deserved - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. What is the Father’s gift? The Father’s Gift is eternal life and you may ask; what is eternal life? John 17:3 provides the answer - Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent.
The Father’s Gift to humanity is the opportunity to know Him and Jesus Christ who is the way and access to the Father. This was further illustrated when Jesus answered her, “If you knew [about] God’s gift [of eternal life], and who it is who says, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him [instead], and He would have given you living water (eternal life).” John 4:10 The Father loved mankind that He gave us His only begotten Son who also demonstrated the same virtue by giving up His Glory and life for His friends; even to the degree of dying on the Cross. Jesus has given us the same command to love one another - I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. John 13:34
Our love must not be in words nor in theory - …(believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words] 1 John 3:18. When last did you demonstrate your love? Act today; that men will see your works and give God the Glory. He has called us not to judge the world or one another but to demonstrate His love like Christ did.
PRAYER: - Our Father in Heaven, thank you for loving me unconditionally and not withholding your perfect Gift from me. I receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour. Help me to demonstrate your love as your representative to the glory of your holy name.
