Thoughts from The Bible: – 08/05/20

Thoughts from the Bible

Tuesday, 04 August 2020 13:14

More on the measurement of divine love
by Terry Broome

In September of 2019, I wrote three articles concerning the nature of the Love of God. I invite the reader to go back to those issues to refresh their minds on this important subject. Jesus sums up in the often-quoted words of John 3:16, “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.” This short verse is perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible. It’s been called the Golden Text of the Bible. Rightfully so, for John 3:16 briefly summarizes the central message of the Bible. It is the Bible in miniature.

Using John 3:16 As our template, may we look at the measurements of divine love. How much did God love us? The Scripture says He “so loved.” If a husband were to say to his wife, “I love you so much!” She would understand that he is stating a significant degree of love. In this verse, “So Loved” suggests the degree to which God went to show divine love. Try to put yourself in His shoes for a moment – a parent who is called upon to voluntarily sacrifice the life of their child. What anguish we would feel. It’s doubtful we would voluntarily do such a thing, but God did. He gave His only begotten Son!
Concerning this measure of Divine Love we turn to Ephesians 3:17-19 (KJV). This is the beautiful and meaningful prayer offered by the Apostle Paul on behalf of Gentiles who were brought into relationship with God:

17 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Thus, he speaks of the four dimensions of this love of God in Christ Jesus.

What is the breadth of the love of God? It can be seen in that it reaches to men of every race and rank, class and clime, tribe and tongue. Hebrews 2:9 (KJV) 9 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

What Is the length of the love of God? This can be seen in that it reaches from age to age and from everlasting to everlasting, never putting down a work until it can truthfully be said, “It Is Finished.” To Israel, Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV) 3 “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” God’s love is indeed everlasting to those who will follow where He draws us to.

What Is the depth of God’s love? Depth can be seen in that it reaches down to men in the lowest abyss of guilt. 1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV). 15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; OF WHOM I AM CHIEF.”

Last of all, we see the height of God love in the position of exaltation and supremacy to which His love exalts us all. It raises us to sit in heavenly places (Eph. 2:4-6); To a position of a kingdom of priests. (Rev. 1:5,6).
The author can be reached for comments at 256-574-2489.