As the Father

As the Father has loved us, so has Christ loved us. Continue in my love. What a profound truth--one which we cannot even begin to fathom its depths.

9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

John 15:9, King James Version

As the Father

In the years since I have been writing Daily Bible Devotions, I have rarely done this! I have rarely written a devotional using only one verse. However, I was so struck by this verse, that I decided to overlook my normal writing style. What caught my attention was the simple pattern taught in this one verse, which we would do well to follow!

1. As the Father loved me.

2. I have loved you.

3. Continue in my love.

Talk about succinct! If you have ever struggled with God's will for your life, this is it! I know, it just cannot be that simple, can it? But, wait a minute--what is simple about these three points? I think it would be more appropriate to call them profound rather than simple.

How has the Father loved Jesus? Where was the Father during Jesus' entire earthly ministry? Right by His side. He so planned Jesus' steps that not one hair of His head was disturbed until it was time for Jesus, Himself, to give up His life.

How has Christ loved us? Is there even any question? Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, left all of heaven's glory to come to this earth and live as a lowly carpenter, and die a cruel death, with only one goal driving Him through His earthly days. He was here to show us the Father, and to save us from our headstrong race to eternal death. Everything He did was in obedience to the Father and for our salvation.

Now, what is our part? Our part is to continue! We are to continue in Christ's love. What does that mean? Was Christ selfish--did He live this life just for His glory? Of course not, and neither should we. We are here to share Christ; the world is not our home, and we need to quit living as though it is!

I know, those are rather severe words coming from me, but I cannot help but think that the time is short. The end of time is fast approaching, and we need to seriously consider what we have done with the talents that God has given to us. Have we multiplied them, or have we buried a hole in the sand and put them there for "safe" keeping until the Lord returns.

Today, I offer you one charge.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

Next: Friendship - John 15:10-15