DAY 18 – TUESDAY – 18/3/2025

Reflection: Love for the World
Bible Reading: John 1:1-14

Why Does the World Need Love?
The world needs love because:
1. The world is a creation;
2. The world was created by the Creator, the owner of all things that exist (John 1:3);
3. The world is in darkness, and darkness has overcome it (John 1:5);
4. The world is waiting for the “Light” to shine upon its darkness (John 1:9);
5. The world does not recognize the “Light” (John 1:10);
6. The world does not receive the “Light” even though it was created by Him (John 1:11);
7. The world rejects the “Light,” even though those who receive Him are given the power to become children of God (John 1:12).

According to John’s theology, “The Word is the Light, and the Light is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the Father (John 1:14).”
If we examine John’sexplanation of
Jesus Christ’s existence before His incarnation, we will understand that the Word he refers to is the “words of God” in Genesis 1 during the creation of the world. John explains that the Word is God Himself (John 1:1). Then, John states that “through Him  all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:2- 3).
The fall of the first man (Adam) into sin was the beginning of darkness in the world.  In God’s eyes, every inclination of the human heart continually leads to evil (Genesis 6:5). The wickedness of humanity in ancient times was so great that God destroyed   them in the Great Flood, sparing only Noah and his family (Genesis 7:1-24).

Did human wickedness cease after the Flood? No! The Bible record sample evidence that human evil continued to increase. For example, the Tower of Babel incident demonstrated how nations developed civilizations yet rebelled against God (Babylon, Egypt, and others).

When God formed Israel as a new nation, He chose them as His people. God showed the world how He cares for humanity. Obedience brought blessings, and faithfulness led to prosperity.

Unfortunately, Israel continuously rebelled against God, just as
other nations did, even though they had witnessed His mighty works firsthand.

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Humanity’s sins     have plunged the world into deep darkness and hopelessness. The world is heading toward destruction without hope. However, God, in His sovereign will, did not allow  humanity to be completely destroyed. Just as in Noah’s time, God chose to save people according to His grace.

Theologically, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, so death spread to all people because all have sinned (Romans 5:12).

Likewise, salvation comes through one man—Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17). “Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people” (Romans 5:18).

Now, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). God came into the world, incarnated as a human—Jesus Christ, who became the Lord and Savior of humanity. “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

This is the love for the world—God came to visit the world and give it the hope of eternal salvation. Will you ignore such a great love?

Prayer Focus:
Prayer For Religious Freedom in Malaysia

1. Pray that the country’s leaders and authorities will govern with justice and
continue to uphold the religious freedom enshrined in Malaysia’s constitution.

2. Pray that all Malaysians will have mutual respect for one another, despite differences in belief.

3. Pray for the eradication
of religious extremist groups in Malaysia.

4. Pray that the Christian community in Malaysia will continue to practice their faith without restrictions from the authorities.

5. Pray that the nation will be free from favouritism. For example, ensuring equal v employment opportunities for all citizens regardless of race.