The world has undoubtedly seen John 3:16 more often than any other scripture. People see it, but never really get an opportunity to grasp its meaning. An eloquent phrase encapsulating the gospel, many have solicitiously brought this verse to the public eye using pop culture.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16
The words do speak for themselves. Yet how many people ever would do what we see in this video and grasp any life changing meaning?
Here is the original rainbow man, Rollen Stewart, who started this type of media grabbing in the 1970s. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rollen_Stewart
And at this fast food place you can say, "My Cup Overfloweth" - if you read the bottom of the cup!
TIME magazine did a small photo gallery too on this. See link here
Recently, I decided to write a hymn for the church that was easy to sing that captures the meaning of this widely promoted verse. Even for myself, it is shallowly understood and I need meditation and reflection on its depth.
It is a sentence uttered from the voice of God and is worthy of devout attention and reverent exposition. And writing a song about it, is only an expression of faith similar to the examples previously noted. Yet hopefully, the meaning will move our hearts as the music carries the scripture into our soul from the fruit of our lips!
Each verse of the hymn is the voice of Christ from John 3, helping to contextualize the chorus: John 3:16.
The chords are included in the sheet music. Here are the lyrics:
VERSE 1
Here is the link for the sheet music (Right click to "save target as" to your hard drive)
Here are the Parts as Mp3 files: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, All Parts
May we appreciate better everyday what John 3:16 has meant for us in Christ. Enjoy worshipping God!
Jerry Maday