August 01, 2020: SOAP #3894:  Isaiah 65-66; Psalm 62; John 3

Scripture:  John (NIV) 3:16 “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.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Observation:   When people are “sent,” there is always a specific assignment they are to complete.  Jesus was “sent.”  He was not sent on a fact-finding trip to see how people were doing on earth.  Jesus was not sent to condemn those who had the perfect law of God for 1500 years, even though not one had ever successfully fulfilled it.  Jesus was not sent to encourage us, nor to teach us, although He did both.  Jesus was sent from the heart of a loving heavenly father “to save” us!  

As Jesus lived his life, He was purposefully moving toward the sacrifice he would make on the cross—the sacrifice that would save.  He was also preparing those around him to accept that sacrifice as the payment for their sins.  And He was setting an example for them to go and tell others. 

Application:  Jesus said He was sending me just as He had been sent. (John 20:21) The salvation of those around me is to be my priority.  I need to serve them with the thought that the goal of our relationship is that they too will come to know and trust Jesus. 

Prayer:   Lord, to know you better every day and to grow in my appreciation for what you have done for me.  Anoint me to better make you known!   Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!