Dearest Family and Friends of St. Margaret’s,
Greetings to each of you as we continue our journey together through Lent – this Fourth Sunday in Lent – towards Jerusalem – to Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and ultimately Easter Day.
We have in this week’s Gospel according to Saint John, quite literally, the single most famous verse in the Bible.
John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
This single verse has been translated into more languages than any other piece of literature in history. (The Rev. Dr. David Lose, President, The Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.)
One can even see it on large placards at major gatherings from sports events to political rallies.
It is also, perhaps, one of the clearest, cleanest statements of the Gospel.
Martin Luther once said, John 3:16 is “the gospel in miniature,” which likely accounts for its tremendous popularity. Luther said that the very heart of the Scripture and the message of Christ is to be found in this passage.
Let us remember this passage in our daily devotions this week. And rejoice in our hope this Lenten season!
Be well, look out for your neighbor, keep a Holy Lent, be smart, and stay focused on Our Lord.
Jane+
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