Originally published Saturday, 12 December 2015.
This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. 1 John 4:9-11 (MSG)
I overheard my husband chatting to a friend on the phone, “I won’t be able to come.”
They chatted for a minute or two longer and then he hung up.
He turned to me, and explained the adventure his friend had invited him on, and then he said, “But I don’t want to do that because I like spending time with my wife.”
I gave him a hug and said, “Those are some of the most romantic words you have ever spoken.”
Xylon didn’t have to turn his friend down.
He chose to forgo that particular adventure.
That night he chose me.
Later that night, I lay in bed reflecting on what Xylon said, and I started to think about God and how he loves us.
I thought about how Jesus loved us so much he chose to leave heaven to spend time with us.
1 John 4:9-11 says, “This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.”
Jesus chose us.
God chose to show his love for us by choosing to be present with us.
Have you ever wondered at that? Much like my husband chose me the other night, Jesus chose you.
I'm pretty sure from what I know of the place where Jesus lives that there must have been some amazing adventures he could have been on. But instead he chose to come speak life, to heal the sick, to comfort those that mourn and bring a hope for a different future.
Jesus chose to come and spend time with us.
And that’s important.
Jesus chose me.
Jesus chose you.
I don't know about you but that makes me want to whisper my gratitude in Jesus' ear.
Ponder: Have you ever considered that Jesus didn’t have to come to earth to bring our salvation? How does that change your relationship with him.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for choosing me.
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- This was orginally published on my site in August 2015. To read more devotionals like this go to ilovedevotionals.com
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