Thursday, March 24, 2016

March 24, 2016 – Maundy Thursday

Jesus Loves Me
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16
Music has always been a large part of my life – especially my church life. My mother and father were both musical and many evenings were spent around the piano singing – especially hymns. Actually, I have probably learned more theology from the hymnal than from the Bible!
A hymn we learn as a child is “Jesus Loves Me” (UMH 191). I have heard many people say it is their favorite hymn but believe it is only a children's hymn. Well, it is a simple melody and a short, straightforward message. But I have never viewed it as merely a children's song to be left behind with our toys and children's books. It really contains all the theology we need to know. That Jesus (God) loves us; and that we know this because the Bible – our guidebook for all things dealing with our faith – says so. As it does in many places including the familiar verse from John.
To God, we are all children – his children. And he loves us … and walks with us … and is our friend … and lights our way our entire life.
My mother, at 75, was in Henry Ford Hospital, dying from a brain tumor. Even though she did not always recognize me and could not speak much, she would sing “Jesus Loves Me” to herself. What more comforting thought could she have had at that time – Jesus loved her … always had and always will.

Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for being our friend and our comforter and our guide … for loving us always and unconditionally. Amen.

Noelle Landin

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