John 3:16-17 — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

No complicated theology today. Just that, sometimes, I need reminding.
Wednesday is our regular choir rehearsal night. It’s always a great time of energizing and refreshment, and often of inspiration. Tonight we were rehearsing “This is love”. It pulls together key salvation scriptures and sets them to beautiful music.
Sometimes I just have to go back and relearn and re-experience the words and what they mean.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” That means so much. It is not just that the Father gave the Son. When I remember the nature of the Trinity, I realize that one person of the Godhead didn’t die in isolation. God subjected Himself to death! Not just any death either, but one of the most ugly humiliating deaths that man has ever designed. I am brought again to see the wonder,and beauty, and terror. What gave mere men to think they could murder the son of God without consequence?
The song pulls out the central thought of another wonderful scripture: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). The surrender of Jesus to the humiliating agony of death was unconditional. There was no “You owe a debt, and you need to come up with a payment plan before I help”. No. It was, “There’s no way you can pay this — don’t worry, I’ve got you covered”.
There was a price, of course. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 NIV). The only proper payment for sin is the shedding of blood. The only proper payment for man’s sin is death. Jesus was the only proper payment for mankind’s collective sin.
One song, a few familiar (well-loved) scriptures — and a refreshment to soul and spirit that could come in no other way.
Worship is so much more than just getting together to collectively feel good and praise the Lord. It is another gateway to scripture, and to fellowship with God. I am so blessed, and so grateful, that I have been equipped to be a small part of a great worship ministry. It is a wonderful gift.