Behold Love

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1 KJV)

Shout that – BEHOLD – the manner of God’s love. Wow, He loves us so much that He calls us His children. And, there are some who do not know this. There is tremendous opportunity for discussion in this one verse. For those of us who are aware of His love, this holds beautiful promise.

But the following verse is of even greater interest:

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2 KJV)

We have only faint clues from the Bible as to “what we shall be.” Even those who walked with Him – even John who was declared to be “… the disciple standing by, whom he loved …” (John 19:26 KJV) -- did not know what we shall be. Yet we believe His promise:

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11 KJV)

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13 KJV)

Why should I give any consideration to the curiosity of what the future holds when I know it is in His hand? And whatever He has in store for me is better than anything I could possibly imagine.

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? (John 14:5 KJV)

Thomas’ question rings through so many people who are looking for the way. They simply have to read the following verse to find the answer Christ gave back to Thomas:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

Don’t stop at one verse. Read the preceding and the following. The Bible has much to offer.