There is a homeless mission in Tulsa called John 3:16. There are many extensions of this mission throughout the country and all using the scripture for John 3:16 as their mission statement.
When I used to sing in choirs on Good Friday we would sing “God So Loved the World” written in three part harmony by John Stainer. It was a beautiful solemn piece of music which we sang at 3pm at Good Friday services. It will seem strange not to be in Church today listening to the passion and honoring the sacrifice .
The words to the song were the exact words of scripture John 3:16 and John 3:17. Here they are ….For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
My word of hope today is that God is not condemning the world. Jesus Christ is our Savior for good reason. Even though I am not in church this “Good Friday” but as I contemplate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ , I also know that even though I should be condemned that because of His sacrifice, that I am not.
In Isaiah scripture says, But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way, but the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all
As ironic as this may seem. That is Good !
Pray for out healthcare works and all who are risking their lives do that we might survive this crisis of COVID-19. Every morning I wake up and thank God; He is in charge.
God Love You always
Bob Burford
