Introductory Thoughts
Sometimes the Bible’s first usage of a word offers the greatest insights into the overall usage of the word throughout the scriptures. For instance, today’s verse affords a glimpse into the first use of a form of the word love. This first occurrence is by divine design representing the greatest of truths. This first mention of love reflects the love of a father for his beloved son. Of even greater significance is the fact that despite this father’s love for his son, he was willing to sacrifice him in obedience to his heavenly Father. Bible students have always considered this father and son duo as a wonderful picture of the relationship of our heavenly Father (God the Father) to God the Son. The first mention of the word love is a father’s love for his son and the first love ever was the love of God the Father for God the Son (John 15:9; John 17:23, 26). Only the Lord could orchestrate such wonderful and profound truths.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God the Father loves God the Son. When we receive Jesus as our Saviour, God the Father accepts us as part of His family and we are called the sons of God (John 1:12). What wonderful love He has for us.
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(For everyone): God is love (1 John 4:8). Before God ever loved man, God the Father and God the Son shared a love in eternity past. What does this mean for believers (see John 17:23)?
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If God is love, and He is, the moment He ceases to be love, He would cease to be God. What does this suggest about Gods motive in all of His works throughout eternity (past and future)?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank the Lord for His love.
- Ask God to teach you how to love as He loves.
Song
This Is My Father's World
