“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” -John 3:14–15
It starts with what we might rightly see as bad news. Something bad has happened. Corruption is rife. We are broken since almost the foundation of humanity. A sacrifice needs to be lifted up. Even the opportunity for a sacrifice is a grace.
God doesn't rest waiting for us to figure the sacrifice on our own. In fact, he comes as the sacrifice. This is Jesus describing being hung on the cross — lifted up for man to look upon. He is the sacrifice. The perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. The flip-your-lid good news is this: whoever believes in him has eternal life because of that lifting up.
Because of the cross of Christ, those who believe in him have eternal life. The Son was sent because God so loved the world. Today, if you believe in Jesus, you are safe. Eternal life with him is yours. You have the love that never leaves and can never be tarnished or given up.
Today, let it put a smile on your soul and your face. Take on what lies before you, and rejoice in the grace you have been given in Christ.