“For God so loved the world, he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Devotion

My daughter is getting married next month. Having lost her dad a few years ago, I’ve been trying to think of ways to make her feel his presence at her wedding. I had been staring at the box that contained my wedding dress for years not knowing what to do with it other than continue moving it whenever we moved. I knew I couldn’t get rid of it, especially after my husband died; the meaning behind it was just too great. 

It was tangible evidence of our wedding day, when Chris and I pledged our love to each other and devoted ourselves to build a strong marriage on the foundation of our faith in Jesus. My pretty white dress captured the love of the day and the promises of the future. 

As I considered a gift that would have both purpose and meaning for my daughter, I kept coming back to my dress. The style wasn’t one she would want to wear, so that was out of the question. I came up with an idea, so I talked with a friend who has fabulous seamstress and design skills. I gave her my dress and she carefully and lovingly took it apart, cutting and sewing the fabric and lace. My friend created a beautiful robe from my wedding dress for Cassidy to wear on her wedding day as she gets ready to be married to the love of her life. 

I’ve been studying John 3:16 for the last few months—there’s so much in that one verse! The part of the verse that always stops me in my tracks is the beautiful truth of the extravagance of the gift God gave us and his motivation. The gift of Jesus was sacrificial and given because God so loved us. This gift was born out of love, presented with love, for the purpose of reconciled love. 

“For God so loved the world, he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Because of God’s sacrificial love I will reunite with my husband in eternity. I will tell him about the gift I gave out of great love for Cassidy. I know he will be pleased to have been part of her special day in a tangible way. We will celebrate this, and so much more, as we bask in the glory of God’s greatest gift to us. What a promise! What hope! God’s astonishing love.   

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for sending your Son to us. We didn't deserve it, we couldn't earn it, and yet you gave us the extravagant gift to reconcile us back to you. Your love knows no bounds or conditions. Your love is holy and complete. We are grateful. 

In the saving name of Jesus, amen.

Cindy Western
Pastor of Small Group Development & Resources

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