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Today’s song is “What if John 3:16 Were a Song” by Christian Paramedic
“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 (NIV)
Part 1/3 of the “What if… was a Song?” Series
What if John 3:16 Were a Song?
I stumbled across a song this week that I will share today. The title is “What if John 3:16 Were a Song?” by Christian Paramedic.
YouTube describes this week’s song, “What if John 3:16 Were a Song?”— the most searched and beloved verse in the Bible — turned into a soul-stirring outlaw blues/gospel song. This powerful track tells the story of God’s unconditional love, His sacrifice through Jesus Christ, and the hope that comes when love gave His life for ours.”
John 3:16 is arguably the best-known, most recited, and most sought-after verse in the Bible. It has been embraced by men and women, young and old, rich and poor, meek and proud, and every man woman and child between. It is said that John 3:16 summarizes the entire Bible’s message, as it captures the message of the Christian faith in a single sentence. When received, its message has the power to transform each of us into “new creatures” in Christ.
Let’s consider Saul of Tarsus. As a devout Pharisee, he believed he was defending God’s honour and the sanctity of the Jewish law. His original mission was to arrest “followers of the Way” and bring them to Jerusalem for persecution (a story that begins in Acts 7:58). But in the middle of his journey to Damascus, he was knocked to the ground by a blinding light and heard the voice of God say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Acts 9:4
When Saul asked who was speaking, Jesus replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Acts 9:5
Amazingly, with only one encounter with Christ, this prideful, arrogant, aggressive, persecuting man made one of the most radical 180-degree turns in history.
Paul’s identity and beliefs were shattered, turned upside down, and rebuilt when his encounter with Jesus revealed that persecuting Christians was the same as persecuting Christ Himself.
Saul would now take the name Paul, meaning “small” or “little,” and embrace a life of humility.
This man, who once tried to destroy the church, became known as “Apostle to the Gentiles,” widely recognized as one of the most important “church builders” or “church planters” of the early Christian era.
After his conversion, he transitioned from a persecutor of the early church to a missionary who established numerous Christian communities across Asia Minor and Europe.
It is believe that Paul is responsible for writing 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament.
Do you ever feel unworthy, unlovable, or unforgivable?
Do you carry the weight, shame, and scars of bad choices?
Imagine the remorse Paul carried, knowing he had personally persecuted the Lord. We read in his letters his reflection on his past with deep shame and humility:
He called himself the “least of the apostles,” one who didn’t even deserve the title. 1 Corinthians 15:9
He described himself as “less than the least of all the Lord’s people. ”Ephesians 3:8
He famously called himself the “foremost” (or worst) of sinners to show that if God had patience with him, He has grace for anyone. 1 Timothy 1:15
He declared his previous status and pedigree as “garbage” compared with the worth of knowing Christ. Philippians 3:7-8
We read over and over in the scriptures that God has a way of taking everyday, unexpected, undeserved people, the sick, the broken, the mighty, and even the most hardened individuals of the story, and turn them around for His glory. He is always ready with outstretched arms to offer mercy, forgiveness, love, and inclusion into His family. He did it with Paul:
We know what Paul thought of himself, but what did God think of Paul?
When God sent Ananias to heal Saul, He called Paul a “chosen instrument” to carry Christ’s name. God even instructed Ananias to call him “Brother Saul,” signaling his immediate adoption into God’s family.
Though Paul often called himself a “servant,” his intimacy with Christ made him a true “friend of God.”
Jesus told Ananias, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” This shared suffering was not a punishment, however, but a sign of the deep, ultimate intimacy between Paul and his Savior.
Wow, from a “follower of the way” persecutor, joint heir in Jesus, to intimate “friend of God,” that is a high promotion.
Imagine the grace of God that would transform a man who actively hunted Him down to persecute Him.
Imagine what He can do through you today.
God stretches out His arms this very moment. He calls you today. He sees beyond your guilt, sin, and shame. He is ready to guide you on the path He had prepared for you since the beginning of time. You might be the very person He wants to use to bring Christ’s transforming power to your family, school, church, workplace, community, government, or even your nation.
How is it possible that God see past our guilt and shame?
This is possible because of the promise found in John 3:16.
God gave His one and only Son, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, who stretched out His arms on the cross to cover your sins. He was the only acceptable offering for our fall, and He offers that grace to each of us freely today.
If Saul can become Paul, who can we become in Christ today?
“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 (NIV)
In Christ,
Lou-Anne
If this Song of Praise was a blessing and encouragement to you, if you know someone who needs comfort, encouragement or hope, or someone who loves to sing and dance with Contemporary Christian Music, please contact me.
What if John 3:16 Were a Song?
Lyric Highlights
“But mercy walked toward me
with a love too strong to pass.”
“I didn’t call his name,
but Jesus called out mine.
Pulled me from the shadows
back into the light.”
“I didn’t reach for him,
but he still reached for me.
Found me in the dark and broke my chain
so I’d be free.”
“For God so loved the world.
He gave his only son for me.
Love stretch his arms on a cross
where I was meant to be.
Every sin, every scar, every tear
I couldn’t hide.
He took it all so I could have eternal life.
Oh, this is love.
Love gave his life for mine.”
May we grow together in the love of Christ to reflect upon the mercies and blessings upon our lives, to feel the presence of God’s living Holy Spirit through worship to sing, pray, laugh, dance, cry, but mostly to praise our Lord and Father as we were indeed created2praise.