“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17
Two weeks ago, my congregation here in Bloomington sang hymn 571 from the LSB hymnal; ‘God Loved the World So That He Gave’ that was written by Johannes Olearius (1611-1684) in the mid 1600’s. I have sung this hymn before and was really moved by the words and music arrangement but hadn’t placed it with my list of funeral hymns. I promptly added it when the Livestream service ended.
The words bring a focus on John 3:16 and back in the day when my hair was brown, there was a popular Christian movement that promoted John 3:16 and caused many people to wear jewelry with “John3:16”, numerous books and tattoos. At that time in my life, while the movement brought people to God’s Word, I thought they should have added verse 17 as well. Jesus didn’t come here to condemn the world, but to save the world. That just underlines the importance of verse 16.
Back in the day while living in Haiti, this hymn was never sung in Bon Berger; my home congregation in Caredeux. The wood pews there didn’t have hymn racks for Hymnals or Bibles as most of the worshippers were unable to read and write. They had memorized ten to fifteen favorite hymns that Pastor Thomas Bernard had taught them through the years. Before I moved back to North America, I had been able to sing a few of them. It’s too bad that I couldn’t have got this hymn in their list of hymns. I hope that these words will prepare you for the next day of your journey.
“God loved the world so that He gave; His only Son the lost to save. That all who would in Him believe, should everlasting life receive. Christ is the solid rock of faith; Who was made flesh and suffered death. All who confide in Him alone, are built on this chief cornerstone. God would not have the sinner die; His Son with saving grace is nigh. His Spirit in the Word declares, that we in Christ are heaven's heirs. Be of good cheer, for God's own Son forgives the sins that you have done. You're justified by Jesus' blood; baptized, you are a child of God. If you are sick, if death is near, this truth your troubled heart can cheer; Christ Jesus saves my soul from death; this is the anchor of my faith! Glory to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! To you, O Blessèd Trinity, be praise now and eternally!”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay