The Word in the Beginning

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Scripture: John 1:1-5 (ESV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Devotion:

            John’s gospel begins with a clear echo of the creation story in Genesis chapter one. In John’s gospel we learn that the Word (logos in the Greek) was present in the beginning with God. This Word was in God as the Word is uncreated and uncaused. Like God, the Word simply existed with God in all of eternity. Later in this chapter of John we learn that the Word became flesh and walked among us. The Word is the second person of the trinity, Jesus was his human name.

            What does this mean for the merely Christian believer like you and me? It means that our salvation was planned in eternity past. There was never a time when God’s Word, Jesus, did not exist. Our adoption into the family of God was planned from before there was time. This means that God knew all about us and our propensity to disobey his commandments. We could not even get it right when there was only one. How are we going to do with multiple commands? We failed our Creator from the beginning, but the Creator was ready for us with undeserved mercy in the person of his Son.

            We live in a dark world. But we have light in Jesus Christ to light our way. Those who are children of the darkness will stumble and fall because they cannot see the light of Jesus shining in the world. However, there is hope for all of this world because Jesus came to be the light of the whole world.

We are not the light, but we reflect the light that Jesus shines into our lives, so that others may see where they are going and not stumble and fall. The gospels tell us that Jesus is the light of the world. Those who are God’s children see that light and are drawn to it like a moth to a flame. However, those who are children of the darkness hide from the light of Jesus because they know their deeds are evil. But it is impossible to hide from God, so all of God’s creatures are will one day see the light.

Prayer:

            Lord, light our way in this dark and hostile world. Let us always hold on to hope since we have seen Jesus the Light of the world. We pray that those living in darkness will one day see your light and come to be your adopted children. Let us fill this world with your light by reflecting the light of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord, for the salvation you have provided by giving us your son to be the light of your world. Amen.

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