A Day-by-day devotional

March 16, 2023

So loved

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 19-22

Scripture of the Day: John 3:16-18

March 16. Today may just be an ordinary day. But not to wrestling fans.

In the world of wrestling, fans have adopted the 16th of March to celebrate what they call as “3:16 Day“. This is to pay tribute to the wrestler Steve Austin who defeated Jake Roberts as King of the Ring in 1996. Roberts professed to be a Christian and used the verse John 3:16 in his pre-match campaign and interviews. When Austin defeated Roberts, the former berated the latter and his faith, and mocked the bible passage. In his mockery, he claimed to be citing Austin 3:16.

Fast forward to several years later, this time in the world of football, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow painted John 3:16 into his “eye black“. Although such practice is prohibited in the league, Tebow did it for his faith. Three years later, he became a Broncos player and after playoffs, statistics reported that he threw for 316 yards, his yards per completion as well as his yards per rush were both 31.6. The ratings they got for that night was 31.6 %. It is a bit strange, but for that to be just one big coincidence would make one shrug his shoulders. But, if you truly know God, you would also know by now that He indeed has a great sense of humor.

What is more astounding though is that more than 90 million people googled the verse John 3:16 during the playoffs. In but a simple demonstration of his faith, Tebow led millions of people to read the core verse that sums up the Christian faith.

John 3:16. It was the first bible verse I have ever memorized as a seven-year-old child. With my Gideon bible which shows it in various languages, I have memorized it in English, Filipino and Spanish.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.“

It is a rather simplistic verse that needs no further explanation. Yet, it is a profoundly powerful verse. For God so loved. God so loved you and me! Due to this, He did the most unthinkable. He gave His one and only Son. He gave His Son as a gift for you and me. He gave His Son to us so that when we put our faith in Him, we will not experience spiritual death, but gain everlasting life.

Jesus was sent by the Father because we are so loved by Him. He does not want any of us to go astray. Since sin separates us from the Father, Jesus bridged that gap so that we can be reunited with the Father.

That, is the promise of John 3:16.

Reflection: If you ever feel doubt in your heart that God cares about you, meditate on the words of John 3:16.

Prayer: I thank you God for your love for me, that you even gave your Son so that I can have eternal life. I give you my heart and my life. Amen.

Reference: http://www.cbnnews.com