Today’s scripture: John 1:10-18 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Squire):
We’re beginning a new segment in Be Still and Know on the Gospel of John. It kicked off yesterday with Keith’s entry, I Like Light and I Like Life.
It’s an amazing idea presented here in the opening verses of this gospel — that the creator of the universe would condescend to be in the world and live as one of us.
Here are a few thoughts as we start this new study:
- Doesn’t it seem incredible that “He was in the world. . . .and yet the world didn’t even notice.” John describes Jesus as God’s creative, life-giving, light-giving Word that came to earth in human form. I picture that Word like a benevolent nuclear blast, blowing apart my world-view, and I have little choice but to respond. How can it be that the world didn’t take notice? I guess we’re all creatures of inertia — it’s human nature to remain on the path we’re on — but I don’t want to be oblivious when that creative force is at work around me.
- The book ends by telling us its purpose, but let’s look ahead:
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:30-31.
That. . .you may have life. The Message describes having that life as being, “…made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves.” Keep that in mind as we continue.
- As Keith mentioned yesterday, the other gospels almost read as travelogues compared to John, which is much more “abstract.” If it’s hard to wrap your brain around what John is saying, try to let the words just wash over you, let them sink in. Try a different translation for other insights. This gospel is an excellent candidate for lectio divina, or praying the scriptures. Pastor Jeff talked about that ancient prayer practice in this sermon, and there’s even a worksheet.
- John says “No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made God known.” Would you like to see God? Then look to Jesus. That’s what we’ll be doing over the next few weeks.
- The author says that Jesus is the source of grace and truth. I don’t know about you, but I could certainly use more of both.
Thought and prayer for the day: God, show me Your truth. Fill me with Your grace. Lead me closer to You as we explore the gospel of John.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.