All Things Are in His Hand [John 3]
31"He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.32"What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.33"He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.
34"For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. 35"The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. 36"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
This chapter begins with the story of Nicodemus. Even though he came at night it was still a brave thing for this pharisee to do. He wanted to know the truth and Jesus spoke directly to him. It is in that context that we have our beloved verse, John 3:16.
The chapter ends with John the Baptist's words. His disciples came to him concerned that more people were flocking to Jesus to be baptized than to John. He assured them that this was why he came and he pointed even his own disciples to Jesus. The words above are his words, after telling them, "He must increase but I must decrease."
Jesus is above all. "For God sent Him and He speaks God words." (Holman, CSB) If we, too, accept Jesus' testimony we affirm that God is true. God is calling us to believe that everything Jesus says about the Father is true.
Today, we praise you for being the Father who "loves the Son and has given all things into His hands." Enable us to walk through this day as one who knows that all things are in the hand of the Son that You love.
Verna McCrillis, 12/3/2010