THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

‘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.’ (John 3:16)

Easter weekend, a bit like Christmas, is one when gifts are given but mainly of the chocolate variety in the shape of eggs or rabbits, the latter still a mystery to me. The chocolate seems to be smoother and lighter than the normal bars sold all year round and the taste that bit moreish.

For Christians, Easter is probably the most important time of celebration as we remember God’s gift of His one and only son, to us all, to take the sins of the world on Himself, reconciling us with our Heavenly Father and defeating death by rising again on the third day.

We read in the gospels that God so loved the world that He gave us the gift of His son, so that whoever believes in Him would have eternal life with Him. However, this gift must also be received to enjoy the blessings which accompany it. Leaving the chocolate egg in its wrapper would be missing out on the enjoyment it offers and so with the gift of Jesus Christ.

To be a child of God, to be part of God’s family with all the inherent blessings is not something to be missed. God gave all He had for you and me. The Psalmist David says, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good’.

So this Easter, while unwrapping the egg and savouring the chocolate, consider the Saviour who died for you and was raised again so that we all may live with Him through eternity. That is how much God loves us and the gift of His Son is what He offers. Don’t leave that gift on the side. It cost you nothing, but God everything.

Dr Stuart Chalmers, Oban Baptist Church.