Pauses for Lent Day 16
Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson
Day 16 Word: WORLD
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son.” John 3:16
Sometimes we make the gospel too small. We reduce it to individuals being reconciled to God or even to God forming a community. But God’s work goes far beyond those acts. God’s plan includes the healing of the whole world.
God’s loving arms surround the globe. They embrace every human being, nation, and culture. They embrace all of creation. God wants to rescue, restore, and reconcile the whole world.
God invites us to be part of this divine dream. We cannot take on all human needs and struggles, but we can serve God by taking a small role in healing and reconciliation wherever our lives take us.
Comment from Marie: Today’s reading reminds me of the gospel song often sung by children, “He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole wide world in His hands. He’s got you and me brother in His hands, He’s got you and me sister in His hands.” Maybe we should add verses to the song that include God having all genders, all races, all political parties, all religions, all countries, all people who struggle and all people who prosper in His hands. Makes sense to me, and I would love to do what I can for it to be a shared truth, however small that role might be. What are your thoughts on today’s word?
Day 16 Word: WORLD
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son.” John 3:16
Sometimes we make the gospel too small. We reduce it to individuals being reconciled to God or even to God forming a community. But God’s work goes far beyond those acts. God’s plan includes the healing of the whole world.
God’s loving arms surround the globe. They embrace every human being, nation, and culture. They embrace all of creation. God wants to rescue, restore, and reconcile the whole world.
God invites us to be part of this divine dream. We cannot take on all human needs and struggles, but we can serve God by taking a small role in healing and reconciliation wherever our lives take us.
Comment from Marie: Today’s reading reminds me of the gospel song often sung by children, “He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole wide world in His hands. He’s got you and me brother in His hands, He’s got you and me sister in His hands.” Maybe we should add verses to the song that include God having all genders, all races, all political parties, all religions, all countries, all people who struggle and all people who prosper in His hands. Makes sense to me, and I would love to do what I can for it to be a shared truth, however small that role might be. What are your thoughts on today’s word?
2 Comments
We can't be reminded too often about that most famous of Bible verses - John 3:16 - and that Christ did indeed come for the whole wide world. The Whole Wide World!
I am so warmed and comforted by the visual of God with his arms around our world! It gives me hope and fills me with His wonder while reminding me of the part I need to play as the hands and feet of Jesus.