Mankind is a self-centered creature. Some instinctive fiber tells us that we are created in the image of God and therefore have greater potential that any other created beast. With an arrogance we didn't have to learn, we pace through life convinced of our worth to the universe. In a cocky way, we talk of "saving the earth" or protecting an endangered species, never even considering that these tasks might be out of the realm of human ability. We just have to decide to do it. We approach medicine the same way. No disease is out of our reach, we merely need time to study it. No matter the challenge, we can do it.
The strength of the statement, however, is in the "we". Mankind is undeniably the strongest physical force on the planet. Tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, these all have their moments of power, but man shapes the world. We inhabit and conquer. Yet, once the "we" is broken down to the individual "I", the force becomes decidedly less impressive.
I am limited. While "we" is an almost eternal concept, "I" is limited to a few decades. My life is short and my capabilities are few. While "we" may cure cancer, "I" may not live to see it, and though an endangered species may be saved in my lifetime, I may not make any contribution to the effort. Because of this, individualism is our greatest weakness. However, it is also our key to immortality.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son". God loved us. All of us, the "we" of mankind. As a creation, He loved what he created. From Adam to his descendants, the love never waned, but remained consistent. God wanted to save us from eternal damnation, but He didn't choose to save the "we", He chose to save the "I". Salvation is an individual process.
On the cross, and in His resurrection, Jesus did not save humanity as a whole. Our text continues, "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life". "We" weren't offered salvation, "I" was. I have to accept and believe God's gift of life, not based upon the strength of my humanity, but upon the faith of my individual belief in God's love and promise of His word. God took our greatest weakness and made it our ultimate strength.
"For my strength is made perfect in weakness" (II Cor. 12:9) If you ever wonder why the brightest among us so often are unsaved and unrepentant, this is the reason. God will not accept someone that depends on their own strengths in this world. We must come to Him as little children, our faith totally in Him and not from ourselves.
The arrogance of "we", must be replaced by the vulnerability of "I". God is not willing that any should perish, "we" all have our chance. But the decision to trust Jesus as your Savior is 100% individual. We come to God as one lone sinner in need of salvation "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation" (Roman 1:16) |
