Re:Verse reading–John 4:4-30, 39-42(day seven)
(our text this week is John 4, however, for Christmas, we will consider Luke 2 today)
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
Luke 2:13-14
I hope we do not lose the last phrase of the angel chorus and I hope we do not lose the peace reserved for those with whom God is pleased. I think we sometimes read John 3:16 and forget that though God’s love is for everyone, not everyone receives it. There are a couple of other passages in John that help clarify God’s love.
He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. John 14:21
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
John 15:10-11
God’s offer of love is universal, our response is not. May our God find us obedient to him and share His love, joy, peace, and hope with us in the new year.
