Pauses for Lent Day 24
Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson
Day 24 Word: BUT
Scripture: “Everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16
This verse reminds us that a word does not need to be long in order to be important. "But" is a short word, yet it is essential in grasping the hopeful message of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
There is a Good Friday side to life. We sin, we hurt one another and we die - all parts of the failing and futile reality in which we live. If they were the only parts and if sin and death had the final word, life would be terribly despairing and dismal.
But, we also experience an Easter side to human life. God does not abandon us to the grave. God’s care for us is so great that God comes to us in Jesus Christ so that those who believe in Him will not perish but share in the undying life that God gives.
Comment from Marie: This pivotal word reminds me of the March 3rd Sunday sermon from Psalm 65. In verse 3 it reads: “When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.” The psalm, being written by David, calls to mind the sins he had committed, as we all do, BUT also reminds us of God’s forgiveness and goes on to recount the beauty in the world that God created that we can experience along with the joy of salvation.
Day 24 Word: BUT
Scripture: “Everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16
This verse reminds us that a word does not need to be long in order to be important. "But" is a short word, yet it is essential in grasping the hopeful message of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
There is a Good Friday side to life. We sin, we hurt one another and we die - all parts of the failing and futile reality in which we live. If they were the only parts and if sin and death had the final word, life would be terribly despairing and dismal.
But, we also experience an Easter side to human life. God does not abandon us to the grave. God’s care for us is so great that God comes to us in Jesus Christ so that those who believe in Him will not perish but share in the undying life that God gives.
Comment from Marie: This pivotal word reminds me of the March 3rd Sunday sermon from Psalm 65. In verse 3 it reads: “When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.” The psalm, being written by David, calls to mind the sins he had committed, as we all do, BUT also reminds us of God’s forgiveness and goes on to recount the beauty in the world that God created that we can experience along with the joy of salvation.
1 Comment
I love the use of but in this positive way! So many times we use it negatively. “You did a great job, but…”. Or “You look so nice, but…”. God always gives us much needed reminders and I’m thankful He forgives my sins-little and big!