Today’s scripture: John 1:1-18 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Don Clark):
The magnitude and breadth of theological immensity of this preamble to the gospel corpus is unfathomable. That’s the theologian in me trying to use big words. But the real life impact of these verses for me today is an unveiling by John of who Jesus Christ is. He magnificently pulls together the imagery of Genesis, “In the beginning,” to connect the dots between the Hebrew scriptures and the New Covenant (Testament) scriptures. John shows us how the law came to us through Moses, revealing our sinful nature; but Christ comes revealing God’s grace and truth for us over and against the law. These verses draw us into thoughts of eternities past, present and future. It is the big picture of God’s plan. It is in these verses that I come to understand Christ is the “I am that I am” or the “I will be who I will be” of all eternity. The mystery of Emmanuel, GOD WITH US, is wrapped up in these verses for all to ponder. The theology of the incarnation has intrigued me for decades and continuously draws me into both testaments for nurture and thought.
The devotional connection is there for me as well, as I ponder the claims of Christ in the words of John. He is the true light which gives light to everyone. I attended a Quaker seminary and learned that Quaker believers seek for the “light of Christ in every one.” Indeed! We indeed are made in the image of God. Christ is available for all! He was ultimately rejected by his own tribe because he drew the circle wider to include the outcast, rejected, and forsaken of his day. He received prostitutes, tax collectors, fisherman, and foreigners. He sat with Samaritans and laughed with the children. He blessed bread and broke furniture in the Temple. He broke Moses’ rules to reveal God’s grace and mercy for all. How many of us have been rejected by our “tribe” of birth or heritage? The good news heralded by lowly shepherds and foreign kings is that “to us a child is born, but to us a son is given; . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). When we receive the good news, the message, of God coming to us in the person of Jesus Christ, it opens us to the reality that by believing in his name we indeed become children of God. Believing in Christ gives us the right to become children of God! Regardless of our “tribe” B.C. (Before Christ), we are now included in this amazing royal nation, a holy priesthood of believers of every description from every tribe and nation. Talk about breaking down barriers! In Christ we discover the fullness of God’s grace in human form! He is full of grace and truth! And from this fullness we too receive grace upon grace, mercy upon mercy, favor upon favor, wave after wave after wave of God’s grace!
Now all this precedes one of my favorite childhood verses in John 3 which states: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:16-18 ESV).
So that brings us to the final thought for the day: God loved the world, the whole world! Everyone! God gave us God’s only Son! When we believe, we have eternal life which we receive from God! God didn’t send Jesus to condemn the world! God wants to save the world, the whole wide world, through Christ!
Prayer for the day: Holy One, how can I live out my life today as your child and with my life broadcast the good news that you came for ALL!?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.