Salvation for the World!

Read John 3:1-21. John 3:16 is the most famous verse in the Bible. You often see it displayed on banners at sporting fixtures or at other large gatherings of people. But we often miss that it’s not just about human beings.

Jesus tells us that God loves the world. God’s love is not inward-looking, it is outward-reaching, and it reaches out to all of creation. When you love someone or something you are ready and willing to make sacrifices for them. You seek ways to meet their needs. God’s love for the world expresses itself in infinitely practical ways. He sets out to rescue not only human beings but creation itself. And God paid dearly to do this. He gave his one and only Son, Jesus. That’s the highest price he could pay. God made his sacrifice on the cross and set about reconciling all things to himself through Christ.

We spend much time at present wondering how we can “save the world.” Certainly, there are things we can and must do to slow down climate change and its effect on creation and human life. But ultimately, only God can save the earth. We must put our trust and confidence in him and ensure we live in a way that fulfils his purposes for us. If we are guilty of overexploiting creation, then he alone has the power to change our attitudes and behaviour. Will you accept salvation for both yourself and for the world?

THINK IT OVER

Think about the following:

•          To what extent does the care of creation fit into your understanding of mission? Has this always been the case? If not, what changed?