Monday, December 19, 2011

Internal Life...

A re-post from Christmas 2010...


Translated into over 1100 languages from Afrikaans to Zulu, John 3:16 must surely be the most memorized verse in the Bible. Martin Luther called it 'the Gospel in miniature'- just 26 words that summarize God's entire purpose for sending Jesus into the world: 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Recently, I was teaching a 3rd Grade Bible class and had challenged the students to memorize John 3:16. A cute little girl raised her hand and recited the verse perfectly until she got to the next to the last word:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have internal life.
Her mom and I smiled as we automatically started to correct her, but then we stopped. That little girl was not wrong. In fact, she was absolutely right! We who believe in Jesus, along with eternal life, can claim 'internal' life too. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this season, let's remember that we have Jesus living inside us, with all the peace, joy and hope that He alone can bring. No matter what may rage externally, we can hold on to internal life- life 'in all its fullness.' This Christmas, let's sow the message of internal life deep into the hearts of the children we nurture.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10: 10

3 comments:

  1. What a wonderful story and great things to think about during this last week before we celebrate His birth. Jack pointed out to me this morning on our walk - Christmas day is just the FIRST day of Christmas. There are 12 days of Christmas and we should celebrate all 12 days :-) Blessings to you and David. We miss you.

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  2. Anita! Thanks so much for commenting! That is so wonderful of you! And Jack is SO right...let's just keep right on celebrating! We miss you too!

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  3. "Out of the mouths of babes..." Very true and profound. Thanks for sharing!

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