“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” – 1John 4:14
LIGHT FOR NOW: If you ever doubt the Father’s love, look to Jesus. The Son is the Father’s greatest declaration, greatest gift, and greatest revelation of love.
As we come to the conclusion of this month’s journey on “The Father’s Love”, it is fitting that we end where God’s love is most clearly revealed: in the sending of His Son. John writes: “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son…” Notice carefully. The gospel did not begin with humanity seeking God. It began with God sending His Son. The initiative was the Father’s. The plan was the Father’s. The love was the Father’s. From Genesis to Revelation, one truth remains constant: the Father is pursuing humanity. When Adam fell, God came seeking. When Israel wandered, God sent prophets. When the fullness of time came, God sent His Son. And when Christ ascended, God sent His Spirit. The story of redemption is ultimately the story of a Father seeking His children. John says: “The Father sent the Son…”
This is one of the most profound statements in Scripture. The Father did not merely send a prophet. He did not merely send an angel; He sent His Son; His beloved Son; the One who had eternally shared His glory; the One who perfectly reflected His nature; the One who lived in eternal fellowship with Him. The greatness of the gift reveals the greatness of the love. A gift is often measured by its value. And no greater gift could ever be given than Christ Himself. This is why Paul writes: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all…” The cross forever settles the question of God’s love. The believer never has to wonder whether God cares; the cross is the answer. The believer never has to question whether God desires his good; the cross is the answer. The believer never has to ask whether he matters to God; the cross is the answer. At Calvary, the Father’s love was displayed publicly for all eternity to see. John then tells us why the Son was sent: “To be the Saviour of the world”. This is the heart of the gospel.
Humanity could not save itself. Religion could not save it. Good works could not save it. Human wisdom could not save it. Therefore, the Father sent the Son. The name Jesus itself reveals His mission. The Hebrew name Yehoshua (shortened as Yeshua) means “Yahweh saves” or “The Lord is salvation”. Jesus did not merely come to teach salvation. He came to accomplish salvation. He came to reconcile humanity to the Father. He came to destroy the barrier of sin. He came to bring many sons unto glory. This means the Father’s love is not merely sentimental affection. It is sacrificial love, costly love, redeeming love, pursuing love, and victorious love. As we conclude this devotional series, perhaps the greatest lesson we can carry forward is this:
The Father’s love is the foundation of the Christian life. It is the reason for our salvation. It is the source of our security. It is the motivation for our obedience. It is the strength behind our perseverance. It is the cure for our fears. It is the answer to our identity. And it is the atmosphere in which we are called to live. The believer who understands the Father’s love walks differently. He prays differently. He worships differently. He serves differently. He loves others differently. Why? It is because he is no longer trying to earn love. He is living from love. And that love has been fully revealed in Jesus Christ. So whenever life becomes confusing, whenever circumstances become difficult, and whenever doubts arise, return again to the cross. Look again at the Son whom the Father sent. For in Christ, the Father’s heart is forever revealed.
INSTRUCTION: Take time today to thank the Father for sending Jesus Christ. Reflect on all that you have learned this month and ask the Holy Spirit to establish these truths deeply within your heart.
CONFESSION/PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your immeasurable love revealed through Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son to save me, redeem me, and bring me into Your family. May the revelation of Your love continue to grow in my heart, shaping my life, my worship, and my walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For More light; get the message, ‘The Love of God’
QUOTE: The cross is the eternal proof that the Father’s love is real, sacrificial, and unfailing.
DAILY READING: MORNING: 1JOHN CHAPTER 4; EVENING: JOHN CHAPTER 3:16-21
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 