Tuesday, January 02, 2024

#002- In The beginning was the Word -- God became a human (John 1:1-18) - Life of Christ = Week 01 - Tuesday

In The beginning, was the Word -- God became a human

The Word Made Flesh: God Among Us

CSB John 1:1-18

John’s Introduction

John 1:1–18

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God†. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. 4In Him was life, and that life was the light† of men. 5That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.

6There was a man named John who was sent from God. 7He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not know Him. 11He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. 12But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, 13who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

14The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15(John testified concerning Him and exclaimed, “This was the One of whom I said, ‘The One coming after me has surpassed me, because He existed before me.’ ”) 16For we have all received grace after grace from His fullness. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

18No one has ever seen God. The only Son—the One who is at the Father’s side—He has revealed Him.[1]


[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 5–7). Holman Bible Publishers.



Text with Highlights
#God =
#People =
  • Jesus Christ (the Word) 
  • John the Baptist
#Time = Beginning
#Place =
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 
#Themes = 
  • Christ as the Word: Coexistence with God and Creation. 
  • Christ as the Light: Illumination in the Darkness. 
  • The Witness of John the Baptist: A Voice in the Wilderness. 
  • The Incarnation: The Word Becomes Flesh.
#Topics = 
  • The Word in Eternity and Creation 
  • The Word as the Light of Men 
  • Testimony of John the Baptist 
  • The Word Made Flesh
#Hashtags = 




Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?


August 7, 2022 Prologue (John 1:1-18) by Paul Adams





Summary: John's Prologue introduces the profound truth of the Word (Logos), revealing Jesus as the divine being who existed with God and is God, ultimately becoming flesh to dwell among humanity.

Application: This passage helps Christians understand the nature of Christ's incarnation, reminding them that God is intimately involved in their lives and struggles, offering grace, truth, and hope.

Teaching: Through this message, the audience will learn about the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man, emphasizing His role as the true light in a dark world.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is presented as the Word (Logos) who not only co-created the universe but also became a tangible expression of God's love and redemption, fulfilling prophecies and revealing the heart of God throughout Scripture.

Big Idea: The profound mystery of the incarnation reveals that Jesus, the Word made flesh, is both the source of our salvation and the perfect revelation of God's character.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this message, consider exploring the literary structure of John's Prologue, particularly how the themes of light and darkness are woven throughout. Investigate scripture parallels, particularly with Genesis 1, to illuminate the creation theme. You might also look for broader cultural contexts in the early Greco-Roman world to better understand what 'the Word' would signify to John's audience.

1. Word's Eternal Light

John 1:1-5

You could explore the concept of the Word as both eternal and actively involved in creation, emphasizing that Jesus is the foundation of all things, bringing light into our dark world. This point can remind the congregation that in their struggles, Jesus, the light, offers clarity and purpose, representing God's unwavering presence and power in their lives.

2. Witnesses to the Light

John 1:6-8

Perhaps focus on John the Baptist's role as a witness to the light, highlighting how believers, even in their struggles, are called to testify to Christ's transforming power. This point can encourage the congregation to embrace their roles as witnesses, sharing the light of Jesus with others, even amidst personal challenges.

3. Welcoming the True Light

John 1:9-13

Maybe discuss the light's arrival into the world and people's varied responses, showing that while Jesus offers salvation, it requires acceptance. This can inspire the audience to recognize that embracing Jesus—despite resistance—opens the path to becoming children of God, offering profound hope in their journeys.

4. Word Made Flesh

John 1:14

You could emphasize the incarnation, where the Word became flesh, as the ultimate expression of God's love. This point can reassure the congregation that God truly understands human experience, offering grace and truth through Jesus, and encouraging them to find strength and dignity in this profound act of divine empathy.

5. Witness to His Glory

John 1:15-19

Consider exploring John's testimony of Christ's preeminence, underscoring how Jesus surpasses all as the source of grace and truth. This point can challenge the congregation to prioritize their relationship with Jesus, understanding that He is the fulfillment of all God's promises and the answer to their deepest needs.

  



READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Consider the harmonies of the gospel and its parallels. This blog is designed to be a harmony, and I provide links to other resources.

Biblegateway (NIV, ESV, NLT, CSB, LEB) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)


Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.

  • Review and retell the story.







Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:

  • What is your full name? 

  • What is your nickname? Where did the names come from?







OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)

In the Beginning: The Word, The Light, and The Life"

John 1 invites us into the profound mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. It beckons us to recognize Jesus as the eternal Word through whom all things were created, the Light that shines in the darkness. This chapter serves as a reminder of Jesus’ divine nature and mission, encouraging us to deepen our faith and inviting us to follow Him in our daily lives.

The Word in Eternity and Creation (John 1:1-5)

In the beginning was the Word, who was with God and was God. Through Him, all things were made. In Him was life, which was the light of all mankind.

Testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:6-8, 15, 19-34)

God sent John the Baptist as a witness to testify concerning the Light. John testifies that he is not the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet, but the voice calling in the wilderness.

The Word Made Flesh (John 1:9-14, 16-18)

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.


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(JOHN 1:1-18)

John begins his Gospel by talking about the deity of Christ, then describes the ministry of John the Baptist.


I. Facts Concerning the Preincarnate Christ (1:1–5)

A. His relationship to the Father (1:1–2)

1. Christ’s eternality is declared (1:1a, 2): He already existed in the beginning.

2. Christ’s deity is declared (1:b): He is God.

B. His relationship to the world (1:3–5)

1. He is the sole creator (1:3): Nothing exists that he didn’t make.

2. He is light and life (1:4–5): His life gives light to everyone, and the darkness cannot extinguish it.

II. Facts Concerning the Incarnate Christ (1:6–51)

A. The miracle (1:14): God became human and lived on earth among us!

B. The mission (1:10–13): He came to save sinners.

1. Some rejected him (1:10–11): The world and even the people in his own country did not understand him.

2. Some received him (1:12–13): Those who believed him became children of God.

C. The men (1:6–9, 15–51)

1. Christ’s faithful forerunner (1:6–9, 15–34)

a. John the Baptist and the crowds (1:6–9, 15–18): John makes three key statements to the people.

(1) He is to serve as a witness to Christ (1:6–9).

(2) Christ is greater than John or Moses (1:15–17).






=======
John’s gospel is just different. It starts out different than the others and continues to give a unique perspective into who Jesus was. John allows us to listen to intimate conversations and hear the testimonies of many different people who encountered Jesus in the hopes that we’ll draw our own conclusions about him and believe.
======




STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
ThomasTheologyHub.org (My friend Rhys N. Thomas's Site) has lessons that focus on the character of Jesus.
Through The Word (Audio Commentary)
Listeners Commentary (Audio Commentary)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)

The Incarnation of Jesus

The introduction to the Gospel of John contains one of the strongest affirmations of the doctrine of the incarnation in the entire New Testament. The word incarnation means “embodied in flesh.” John declares that Jesus—the divine Son of God—took on a human body as a necessary step for carrying out God’s plan of redemption in the world. Jesus is the God-man—fully human and fully divine—who can be experienced and understood by us as human beings.

  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • Why does this Gospel begin "In the beginning" rather than at Jesus' birth? 
  • What facts about "the Word" can you find in verses 1-5? Verses 10-18? 
  • What is John the Baptist's role as a witness? 
  • Who or what fails to comprehend the light (vv. 5, 10-11)? Why? 
  • From the image of "receiving" someone (v. 12), how would you explain what faith is about? What is the result of this type of faith? 
  • How would someone "full of grace and truth" treat others? 
  • From this passage, how can a person come to know God? 


 This blog is designed to be a harmony itself and I try to provide links to other resources. Some will place some passages in different locations, so here are more links below. 



APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
More Thought for Thought Translations (helps some with application)





The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.




  • Are you keeping Jesus at the door? In certain rooms? Why? Or have you given him the keys? 
  • What does John's emphasis on the pre-existent, creative Christ mean to you?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


Take Away Challenges

  • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

  • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

  • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?


  • Other YouTube Videos
SearchTV



Living for Jesus in John 1:1-14
https://youtu.be/qFT5uNf9nN8
Today We get to see John’s first glimpse of the glorious Savior, the eternal Word. (John 1:1-14).

















    • Articles




    Read and Believe
    What Jesus taught and what he did are tied inseparably to who he is. John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God. Although Jesus took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man, he never ceased to be the eternal God who has always existed, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the source of eternal life. This is the truth about Jesus and the foundation of all truth. If we cannot or do not believe this basic truth, we will not have enough faith to trust our eternal destiny to him. That is why John wrote this Gospel—to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ so that we may believe that he truly was and is the Son of God (20:30-31). You can trust John, an eyewitness to what Jesus said and did. You can believe in Christ, God's Son.


    John wrote to believers everywhere, both Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles). As one of Jesus' twelve disciples, John was an eyewitness to Jesus' ministry. His book is not a biography (like the book of Luke); it is a thematic presentation of Jesus' life.

    A New Person
    All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out—rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents' family (John 1:13). Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God's family (John 1:12). Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ.

    Christ created the world, but the people he created didn't recognize him (John 1:10). Even the Jews rejected him although they had been chosen by God to prepare the rest of the world for the Messiah (John 1:11) and although the entire Old Testament pointed to his coming.

     God and Man
    When "Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us," he became (1) the perfect teacher—in Jesus' life we see how God thinks and therefore how we should think (Philippians 2:5-11); (2) the perfect example—as a model of what we are to become, he shows us how to live and gives us the power to live that way (1 Peter 2:21); (3) the perfect sacrifice—Jesus came as a sacrifice for all sins, and his death satisfied God's requirements for the removal of sin (Colossians 1:15-23). Keep your focus on Christ.

    When Christ was conceived and born, God became a man. He was not part man and part God; he was completely human and completely divine. Christ is the perfect expression of God in human form. The two most common errors people make about Jesus are to minimize his humanity or to minimize his divinity. Jesus is both God and man.

    John 1:1-18

    I'm am very thankful that Jesus came to earth in the form of a man, but I'm more thankful for what he did to redeem man. The poem below calls us to think more deeply about what the incarnation really means.


    • Devotions

    Does the Bible actually call Jesus God?
    The article talks about the New Testament language of Jesus being God.
    http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/2012/07/does-new-testament-call-jesus-god.html

    The Man Upstairs
    Consider Jesus! Is He man or God?
    http://www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1611

    Praise Him for the Incarnation
    by Joseph Bayly

    Praise Him for the incarnation, for the word made flesh.
    I will not sing of shepherds watching flocks on frosty nights, or angel choristers.

    I will not sing of a stable bare in Bethlehem, or lowing oxen,
    wise men trailing star with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

    Tonight I will sing praise to the Father who stood on heaven's threshold
    and said farewell to his Son as he stepped across the stars to Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

    And I will sing praise to the infinite, eternal Son, who became most finite,
    a baby who would one day be executed for my crime.

    Praise him in the heavens, Praise him in the stable, Praise him in my heart.

    ============

    THE WORD BECAME FLESH!
    "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:1,14, KJV).

    Devotion 1 of  2

    INTRODUCTION
         Like the womb of the morning, some Scriptural texts are especially pregnant with glory and light. These are texts in which are found Divine expressions that unlock great bodies of truth. In the revelation of God's truth, such texts are like Jachin and Boaz, the two pillars in the porch of Solomon's temple. It is as though the weight of truth was suspended upon them. The text before us is such a text.

         The Word of God is first of all about a Person, and second about an "eternal purpose." God's Word delineates, or expounds both that Person, and His purpose. Upon these two pillars, the entirety of Scripture is suspended. Apart from them, no word of the Bible has any eternal relevance. Every aspect of truth is integrated into these two things. The Person is God as revealed in Christ  Jesus. Through His Son, God's "eternal purpose", determined before the foundation of the world, and toward which all things are moving, is revealed and expounded. Whatever is unrelated to Christ Jesus and God's eternal purpose is unworthy of emphasis, and will ultimately pass away. 

         Concerning the Person of Scriptural emphasis, Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" (John 5:39). God's "purpose" is declared to be the reason for our calling (Rom 8:28), the driving cause behind the obtaining of an eternal inheritance (Eph 1:11), and the eternal objective that is fulfilled in Christ Jesus  (Eph 3:11). Peter affirms that both the Person of Christ and the purpose of God were the focus of the prophets. "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow" (1 Pet 1:10-11). Christ Jesus was the Substance of the prophesies of old. These realities will be the locus around which our  consideration of this text will center.

    IN THE BEGINNING
         "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This is more than the affirmation of a historical fact. It is not a mere point of sound theology. This is the beginning point of flawless spiritual reasoning. It is where we collect our bearings, and gather our perspective. We do not begin with a problem, but with our God! We do not begin with a crisis, but with our God. 

         "The Word," in this case, is the pre-incarnate Savior. The Spirit does not move us into the realm of eternity, but back to "the beginning," when our domain was formed, and the human enterprise was initiated. It is the same "beginning" of which Moses spake: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen 1:1). We are informed that the Person of Christ existed at that time, though as a spirit. He was not "the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5) "in the beginning." He was "THE WORD." First, this affirms that the Word was no part of the creation itself. Before creation, the Word "WAS." He is, therefore, "eternal," which is the declaration of this verse. It was "the Word" that gave being to all things, for "All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3). This again affirms His eternality, for that One who gives beginning  to all things cannot have a derived beginning.

         The term "Word" is unique, and is intended to establish that the pre-incarnate Christ was the Source of all things--the Means through which God created all things. He is the Expression of God, the revelation of His purpose, and the Initiator of his work. The "Word," however, was not subordinate to God, but was Himself God. Though a separate Person, He was a co-equal, as it were, with Jehovah God. Apart from unique Personhood, Jehovah and the Word were not divisible in any sense. They were Oneness in perfection.

         The Spirit has summoned us into a high realm, where frivolity and shallowness have no place. He has taken us back to "the beginning" to show us the source and effectiveness of our salvation. The fountain of eternal life has its origin in eternity. It is not a response to the human condition, but an immutable and eternal purpose, conceived before the foundation of the world, and made known in the fullness of time. Both the purpose and the Person initiating the purpose came from eternity.

    PRAYER POINT: Father, teach me to reason from the beginning of all things, and not from the beginning of my experience. Ground me in Your purpose, and, through Jesus Christ, give me an awareness of your Person that is so great it will eclipse the world.

    AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH
         "And the Word became flesh . . . " That "the Word" COULD become "flesh" is staggering to consider. That He DID become "flesh" is greater still. This reality has challenged the most prodigious thinkers of our race. In the blazing light of this truth, a number of things can be perceived. Here we see the glory of Divine initiative. We behold the extent of God's love, and His willingness to save. We see the amazing capacity of God for long-suffering and the accomplishment of  His purpose. Stand in the light of this affirmation and behold the magnitude of your salvation. Its roots are anchored in eternity past, and its fruits are seen in abundance in eternity future. The Creator willingly submitted to be "begotten," and, entering into a defiled and polluted realm, there increased "in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). 

         THE WORD BECAME FLESH, and did so voluntarily. As it is written of Him,
    "Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering  Thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God" (Heb 10:5-9). Not only did He come of His own volition, He entered into the appointed work with unparalleled zeal. Before He was "made flesh," the prophet said of Him, "For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me." When His disciples beheld His aggressiveness, they recalled this Scripture (John 2:17). 

    What Was Involved In Becoming Flesh
         Academic explanations will not suffice when handling this spiritual nugget. We must probe the Word of God itself to gain profitable insight into the Word becoming flesh. It is at once apparent that this involved stepping down, taking a lower station, and submitting to restriction. The Spirit proclaims this with powerful words in Philippians the second chapter. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Phil 2:5-8). We must linger in this scared room! Here we will learn of the greatness of God, the glory of redemption, and the accessibility of salvation.

         His consideration. Ponder the consideration of "the Word." He not only was "with God," He "was God."  He must now divest Himself of Divine prerogatives. Though Himself God, He must now submit to a state where He is dependent upon and subordinate to God. He Who created all things will Himself be begotten. The royal robe of Deity must be laid aside, and He must take upon Himself the form of man. How does He view this remarkable humiliation? The  KJV and NKJV says, "He counted it not robbery to be equal with God." The NIV, RSV, and NASV say, He "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped." Darby translates it with strength with the words, "did not esteem it an object of rapine to be on an equality with God." The Spirit is depicting the Word's evaluation of having to lay aside the prerogatives of Deity. What did He think about forfeiting equality with God? The answer comes back in thunderous tones. He did not consider it robbery! He did not consider Himself to have been plundered! He refused to cling to that equality, but chose instead to humble Himself! The salvation of humanity was worth the sacrifice! The rescue of the fallen offspring of God was undertaken without any hesitancy, regret, or sorrow! He knew if God did not come down to man, man could not go up to God!

         He submitted to the restriction of a corporeal frame in a polluted realm. While dwelling among us, and in anticipation of His death, Jesus said, "I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!" (Luke 12:50, RSV). The "baptism" was that of suffering. He would be overwhelmed by suffering, eventuating in His vicarious death. The  KJV says He was "straitened," or held in. Later versions emphasize the effect of this containment by translating the phrase, "how distressed I am until it be accomplished" (NKJV, NASB, NIV).  A restriction is referenced here that we are not capable of comprehending. Deity in confinement, and voluntarily so! Ponder it with wonder! 

    HE HUMBLED HIMSELF
         He "humbled Himself." He was not coerced, but voluntarily laid aside the vestments of glory in order to save us. It is written, He "made himself of no reputation." The RSV says "He emptied Himself."  The NIV says "made Himself nothing." Who is capable of perceiving the greatness of this affirmation. He submitted to a state where strength and wisdom would be derived! Mark it well, when He was "the Word," His strength was NOT derived. Oh, I want you to see this aspect of your redemption! When Jesus entered into the world, He was not omniscient, omnipresent, nor omnipotent. He entered as "a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes," totally dependent--TOTALLY! He through whom God "made the worlds" (Heb 1:3), was placed under the care of Joseph. When Herod sought the life of the child, the angel of God did not warn the infant Jesus, but Joseph (Matt 2:13). A descent of this magnitude has never been conceived by any created being! From the highest to the lowest! The cost of your salvation, when seen, exerts unparalleled power upon the human spirit.

         In this humbled state, the Lord Jesus RECEIVED what He needed WHEN He needed it. The repository of Deity was not within Him. He now received from the Father, and was directed by Him. He Who was with God and was God, was now dependent upon His Father. Hear Him testify. "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things" (John 8:28). "I speak what I have seen with My Father . . . " (John 8:38).  "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say  and what I should speak" (John 12:49). "Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak" (John 12:50). "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise" (John 5:19). "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:30). These things could not be said of the Word, Who was "in the beginning," was "with God, and was God!" When He was made known to the world, the Spirit of God descended upon Him, and remained there (Matt 3:16; John 1:33). Such a phenomenon could only occur to the Word made humble!

         The humiliating form. The humiliation of our Lord is not found, however, in His entrance into the world as a child. It is found in His servanthood: He "took upon him the form of a servant." He was God's servant, come into the world to provide a basis for the implementation of God's "eternal purpose." He Who made all things, and for Whom all things were made (Heb 2:10), willingly submitted to a condition of subjection or subserviency.  He had to rely upon  God, obey God, and increase in favor toward Him (Luke 2:52). Let every soul presumptuous enough to balk at the requirement of total submission behold the Savior! See Him in a submissive state, and ponder how you will be able to stand before His judgment seat if you fail to submit to Him.

         In all, of this, He did not assume the form of an angel, but of man! Scripture apprises us that it was becoming for Him to be made like unto us, not like angels (Heb 2:10). Those who affirm "the angel of His presence" (Isa 63:9), and "the angel of the Lord"( Ex 3:2; Psa 34:7, etc.) mentioned in the Old Scriptures, refers to Jesus, are in error. Were this the case, "the Word" would have "humbled Himself" prior to being "made flesh." Whatever may be said of  angels, they are "servants," in every sense of the word (Job 4:18). To have "the Word" operating in the capacity of a servant prior to being made flesh would require Him becoming a servant two times. However, His humiliation is associated exclusively with our redemption, never with the deliverance of  Israel, or various appearances prior to His entrance into the world. One time humbled! One time laying aside the vestments of Deity! One time stripped of the prerogatives which were His by nature!

         It was humbling to Him because He was required to lay aside the effulgence of His glory. It was, however, becoming to Him because it revealed the glory of His character, and the greatness of His love. For man to become like God is a staggering consideration. For God to become like man is more staggering! However the greatness of the distance traversed for us to be "conformed to the image of God's Son" (Rom 8:29-30), a greater distance was  negotiated when  "the Word became flesh," taking upon Himself the form of man. His humility was greater than ours! His obedience is more a marvel than ours! His willingness is of greater magnitude than ours!

         In the world, "the Word" made "flesh." Something is involved in that enfleshment that reaches into our hearts. It is arresting to consider the extent of His experience in the body. "He learned obedience by the things which He suffered" (Heb 5:8, NKJV). Of that learning process it is written, "who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear" (Heb 5:7. NKJV). Stand in the presence of such condescension, and give glory to God! This was no pretension! The Savior did not feign reliance upon God! His tears were real! His vehement cries were genuine! His fear was bona fide!

    THE WORD BECAME FLESH!
    "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:1,14, KJV).

    Devotion 2 of  2

    THE EXTENT OF HIS HUMILIATION
          As if entering into the world deprived of Divine prerogatives, assuming the form of a servant, and being found in the likeness of man, were not enough, His obedience is declared. "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled  Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." While in a humbled state, He debased Himself even more by submitting to death, even the death of the cross. He received a commandment from His Father, and He was intent upon carrying it out. "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father" (John 10:18). He would not die an  ordinary death, like Jacob, who "drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people" (Gen 49:33). He would not enjoy a  gracious death like Moses, who breathed his last on the border of the promised land, while still in vigorous health, and was buried by God Himself (Deut 34:5-6). 

         His death would be the most grievous of all! It would be "even the death of the cross." He would not only be rejected by men, but by God. Hoisted between heaven and earth, He would endure indignities that were a reproach to any man. He would become, as it were, "a worm, and no man" (Psa 22:6). The repulsive and defiling sins of the world would be laid upon Him, and He would   bear them "in His body, on the tree" (Isa 53:6; 1 Pet 2:24). There, upon that cross, God would make "Him who knew no sin to be sin for us" (2 Cor 5:21). The death of the cross was a death of cursing- -Divine cursing. As it is written, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" (Gal 3:13). There is no human language capable of adequately describing the humiliation involved in Christ's substitutionary death.

         The extent of Christ's humiliation confirms the eagerness of God to save! It declares the magnitude of our sin, and the requirement for Divine intervention. It should melt every heart, and compel us to deny ourselves, presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. It was in Christ's flesh, that the sin of the world was condemned. "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh" (Rom 8:3). The NIV is seriously wrong in translating the latter part of this verse "And so he condemned sin in sinful man."  Our sin was condemned in Christ's flesh--in His body, if you please! O, the greatness of Divine purpose! The magnitude of Divine condescension!  THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH!

         The reason Jesus came into the world was in order that He might DIE! Thus it is written, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death" (Heb 2:9). This is the primary reason for Him being made like unto us! In the world, men are generally noted for their life. Jesus is noted for His death. As ordinarily perceived, children are born to live. Jesus was born to die! His entrance into the world was for the solitary purpose of retrieving humanity from the fall. "THE WORD BECAME FLESH!"

    HE DWELT AMONG US
         "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory." Though veiled, it was "the Word" that dwelt among us. With Divine prerogatives left in escrow, as it were, "the Word" tabernacled among "the people who walked in darkness" (Isa 9:2; Matt 4:16). He was not born in an isolated area, but in a city at the time of taxation, when public registration was taking place. Neither, indeed, was He raised in the wilderness, but in a city teeming with  activity. It was not a wholesome city, but one out of which good was not expected to come (John 1:46). Prior to His public ministry, He was known as "the carpenter," one Who interfaced with people (Mark 6:3). Throughout His ministry, He was among the people, ministering in cities, countrysides, homes, the temple, and synagogues. He attended wedding feasts, sat with publicans, and engaged in dialog with religious leaders. He "dwelt among us," a visible, active, and accessible figure. One translation says, "He set His tabernacle in our midst." Here was the ultimate fulfillment of Leviticus 26:11; "I will set My tabernacle among you." This was a time when, as Ezekiel put it, "My sanctuary is in their midst" (Ezek 37:28). Jesus was the ambulatory Temple of God, set up among men.

         By "dwelt among us," more is meant than merely being where we are. It was here that the enfleshed Word "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb 4:15). He confronted the devil for extended periods, facing focused and powerful temptation (Matt 4:1-11; Luke 22:40-44). He experienced weariness (John 4:6), hunger (Matt 4:2), rejection (Isa 53:5), sorrow (Matt 26:37), inner groaning (John 11:33,38), and weeping (Luke 19:41; John 11:35). The  attacks of men, Satan, and the power of darkness fell upon Him. He was identified with us in human experience, particularly as it relates to maintaining identify with God. He faced the Tempter as One stripped of Divine entitlements, and in a weakened state. He felt the downward pull of the flesh, and extended effort to resist the urge to sin. He thus triumphed over the wicked one,  displaying his inferiority.

         Just as He was born to die, He dwelt among us for a high purpose. That purpose relates to His intercessory work. He is our appointed High Priest, sitting at the right hand of God in our behalf. His presence there is focused in objective. He is not merely keeping the wrath of God from coming upon our heads. As our High Priest, He is ministering required resources to His people. He is mediating the New Covenant, bringing the benefits of it to those who have "received Him" (John 1:12). What is more, He is accomplishing this work as one Who is able to "be touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb 4:15). His heart is in His indispensable work, because "He dwelt among us." His entrance into the arena of warfare enabled Him to be a "merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people" (Heb 2:17). To be an effective High Priest "for men," Jesus had to be "taken from among men" (Heb 5:1). That is one of the fundamental reasons He "dwelt among us."  Our present spiritual sustenance and upholding is owing to Him being a "merciful and faithful High Priest." It was His tenure among us that so wonderfully suited Him for this ministry. He now ministers to us as One familiar with our situation. He not only has what we need, but desires to give it.

    WE BEHELD HIS GLORY
         "And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." There have been times when the presence of Deity was undetected. When Jacob wrestled with an angel through the night, he awakened to say, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it" (Gen 28:16). Earlier in this very Gospel, John affirmed, "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him" (John 1:10).  Prior to baptizing Jesus, John the Baptist confessed, "I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water" (John 1:31,33). Christ's true identity was generally hidden from men during his term in the flesh. As Isaiah prophesied, "And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him" (Isa 53:2). 

         When Jesus was among men, He was not perceived with the clarity now possible. One time, however, Peter caught a glimpse of the Son of God. Because the Father revealed it to him, Peter saw Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt 16:16).  There were times when the disciples "marveled" at His power (Matt 21:20; Mark 6:51; Luke 8:25; Luke 24:41). But after Christ was exalted, they beheld Him in a fuller and more productive way. Toward the very  end of Christ's ministry, the disciples still did not have a clear view of Christ.  Even after His resurrection, it is said of the chiefest of them, "For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead" (John 20:9). The  testimony of the disciples concerning the glory of Christ did not come until AFTER His resurrection. Even though they were subjected to remarkable evidence, their hearts were not yet able to receive it.

         Our text, however, speaks of beholding His "GLORY." The "beholding" of which he speaks is a discerning look. Even though there was a time when His true Person was not recognized, the text speaks of the occasion of its clarity--when they saw Him in a different and invigorating manner. There are at least two ways in which His glory was "beheld," or discerned. 

    They Saw His Glory In The Transfiguration 
         Three of the Apostles were granted the privilege of beholding the glory of Christ prior to His death. He took them apart for prayer, into "an high mountain apart." There, the Spirit apprises us, "As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening" (Luke 9:29). We are told "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light" (Matt 17:2). His inner Person burst through the shell of His body, affecting even  His clothing. It was like a miniature resurrection! In that state, He was more  harmonious with the unseen world than with the seen one. We know this, because of what occurred while He was in the transfigured state. From the unseen world two spiritual giants (Moses and Elijah) from centuries before, "appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem" (Luke 9:31). 

         Years after Jesus had ascended into glory, and shortly before His own death, Peter recalled this event. Hear his marvelous testimony. "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And we  heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain" (2 Pet 1:16- 8). Compare this to Peter's response during the actual event. "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" (Matt 17:4). What is the difference between the two responses? On the mountain, Peter had beheld the glory of the Word becoming flesh, but did not comprehend it. When he  wrote his epistle, the magnitude of that glory had burst upon his soul. Like Jacob, he appreciated the vision AFTER it had occurred more than during it.

    They Saw His Glory In Recollection, #1
         His glory was seen in retrospect. As the Apostles reflected upon their time with Christ, He was revealed to them in the fullest sense. Think of John's wonderful recollection of the enfleshed Word. "That which was from the beginning, which we have HEARD, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life; the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare  to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us" (1 John 1:1-2). This was an enlightened view! What did they see "with their eyes?" It was "That which was from the beginning"--the Word made flesh! 

         Mark it well, GOD WAS BROUGHT WITHIN THE RANGE OF THEIR SENSES! The God Whose judgments are "unsearchable" and ways "past finding out" (Rom 11:33), became apparent to them! They "looked upon Him" Who by nature is "invisible."  This was not a mere apparition. It was not a mirage, or an imagination. Their hands "handled" Him! They saw Him as "that eternal life which was with the Father." Reflecting upon their time with  Him, they saw a pattern of the Divine Nature in a body, in this world! They walked with Him,  talked with Him, were taught by Him, and became acquainted with Him. They "beheld His glory!" They witnessed Divine initiative and response, Holy action and impulse!

         But they beheld His glory in a unique way: as "the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."  Not a mere teacher! Not a mere worker of miracles! Not as One who could stop the mouths of His critics, command a fig tree to dry up by the roots, and even calm a raging storm. That is not how they beheld Him! They did not perceive Him as having power over all disease, the world of demons, and death itself--even though undeniable evidence of this  power was presented to them during His ministry. They did not see His glory as one Who could multiply bread and fish, straighten a woman bowed over for  eighteen years, or restore a withered hand. 

         Think about what I am saying! When beholding His glory, their minds were not drawn to His power to stop a twelve year old issue of blood, raise the feverish mother-in-law of Peter, or walking on a raging sea. They did not recall how He healed the deaf, the dumb, the blind, and the lamb. When they beheld His glory, they perceived Him as "the only begotten of the Father, full of grace
    and truth." In Christ, they caught a glimpse of God the Father Himself! GOD  WAS BROUGHT WITHIN THE RANGE OF THEIR SENSES! Here was the "fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Col 2:9). This was not coincidence, "For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell" (Col 1:19). 

         Here, in the Son of God, was the most precise expression of God. Moses articulated the Law of God. The  holy Prophets declared the purpose of God. John the Baptist declaring the coming of the Lamb of God. The Apostles articulated God's great salvation. But the Son of God articulated God Himself. HE IS THE APPOINTED EXPOSITOR OF GOD! In a most remarkable affirmation, Jesus declared, "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him" (Luke 10:22). If ever men are to be brought to God, it will be through God's "only Begotten" (John 14:6). In fact, He has been appointed to "bring us to God" (1 Pet 3:18). If He is not perceived, men will not come!

         "The only Begotten of the Father" not only is the Expositor of God, He has a desire to expound the Father to those who will come to Him. While He tabernacled among us, He revealed this aspect of His nature and ministry. The Holy Spirit moved Matthew to record this for our encouragement. Again, He affirmed, "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him" (Matt 11:27). Were this all we knew about the matter, it could prove discouraging! It certainly does expose the poverty of the world's wisdom and mere human efforts to know God. Is it possible to know the one to whom Jesus wants to reveal the Father?

         Jesus did not leave the matter here. Remember, He is the "fulness of the Godhead bodily," and thus will reveal to us the heart of God. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt 11:28-30). Hear His plea! "COME TO ME!" And why so? Why should we come to Him? Because He has a desire to show the Father to us--to reveal Him to us! He knows that alone will satisfy the laborer, and relieve the heaven burdens of life. In the knowledge of God, you will find "rest for your souls." Knowing Him gives you the advantage!

    PRAYER POINT: Father, show the Son and His glory, as you revealed yourself to Moses. Hide us from the distractions of this present evil world, and enlighten our hearts and minds to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ!

    FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH
         You cannot improve upon this expression: "full of grace and truth." Every major translation reads this way: "full of grace and truth" (KJV, NKJV, RSV, NRSV, NIV, Websters, Darby, Young's Literal, etc.). It is rare, indeed, to find such unanimity among translators! 

         The word "full" means more than simply filled up with. This comes from the word patroj, which means complete or full grown. The idea is that the full scope of both grace and truth are found in Christ Jesus--in both His Person and accomplishments. Here are two qualities that came in their fulness in the Person and ministry of Jesus Christ. As it is written, "For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). These were among the Divine qualities revealed to Moses: "And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth . . . " (Ex  34:6). The "sweet Psalmist of Israel" also spoke of these magnificent traits in the fortieth Psalm. "I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your loving-kindness and Your truth From the great assembly. Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD; Let Your loving-kindness and Your truth continually preserve me" (Psa 40:10-11). Again, he wrote, "He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!" (Psa 61:7). And again, "All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies" (Psa 25:10).

         What is "grace and truth," the glorious attributes with which Jesus was filled? Here is the compendium of Divine power, required to meet human need. Grace to cover the past, obtain righteousness, and walk in Divine favor. Truth to uphold, illuminate, and provide a basis for fellowship. Both of these are necessary for our salvation. We must walk in the smile of God, favored and preferred by Him. Yet, we must also be in strict harmony with the truth, allowing no aspect of the Divine nature to be obscured or minimized. Until "the Word became flesh," this was NOT possible. Apart from the promise of God, there was not the faintest glimmering of hope. Man could not measure up to the Law, and God could not forget it. 

         But in Jesus, the Son of God, grace and truth were brought together in a union that was not dissolvable. In Him, the Scripture is fulfilled, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Psa 85:10). This fulness is not an end of itself, but the Divinely appointed means to an end. In Christ, both grace and truth became accessible to humanity. He brought them within our reach, so to speak. Whatever is demanded to be delivered from sin is found in Jesus--and in abundance. He is "FULL of grace and truth." Things required to successfully resist the devil are plentiful in Christ Jesus. He is "full of grace and truth." Resources necessary to successfully negotiate the straits from earth to glory are found in rich supply in Christ Jesus.  He is "full of grace and truth." Hopelessness has taken flight, as the eagle of hope has taken the place of dominance--and it is all because "the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us."  

         He did not cohabit with us as a spectator, but as a concrete demonstration of Divine intent. He tasted of the dregs of human experience, in order that the supply of grace and truth, resident in His person, might flow freely to those who embrace Him. As surely as He IS, so surely His grace and truth are accessible. 

    PRAYER POINT: How desperately I need both Your grace and Your truth. I am thankful, and praise you, for providing them both in abundance in the Person of Your Son! 

    CONCLUSION
         In this world, there are a variety of things with which we can become preoccupied. Under the administration of the "old serpent," men and women are being distracted to lesser things, and inferior considerations. They appear noble on the surface, but they are not worthy of the place of preeminence. It is good that we be concerned for them, but they must not allowed to sit upon the throne of our hearts. 

         Some are preoccupied with people, others with government, and some with self-advancement. Still others are enamored of the church, while some are preoccupied with sinners. Such pursuits are fraught with sorrow and emotional ups and downs. The reason for this is quite simple. The pursuits I have mentioned all center in mankind. The wisest among us will acknowledge men are, by nature, erratic, inconsistent, and unstable. A house built around them will crumble to the ground!

         I have become preoccupied with Jesus. My single quest is to know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings. The loss of all things is a small price to pay for His fellowship. I call you to a deeper consideration of the Son of God. I summon you to make Him your quest. There is no more noble pursuit, no more venerable goal, no more rewarding enterprise. You can possess the same driving compulsion Paul had. Hear his  own words, and take them into your heart. "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law,  but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Phil 3:7-11).

         But it will require all of your effort. As seasoned as you may be, you have not yet attained to the goal. Hear the Apostle once again on this matter. "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:12-14). The greatness of Christ demands a wholehearted effort. If He humbled Himself, coming so far to save me, He will surely give me power to come to Him, experience grace and truth from Him, and at last dwell forever with Him! The upward call CAN be fulfilled because of the Word, Who, in the beginning, came down!

    PRAYER POINT: Father, fill all of my vision with the Person and accomplishments of your Son--my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Draw a veil over all that is temporal, and give me grace to see Christ clearly.


    ====================


    SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOU

    Dr. Joe Pettigrew


    “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” John 1:11


    Many times the word “no” simply means “not now, but ask again.” So we shouldn’t let rejection stop us. Take a look at your past experiences. I’m sure you encountered rejection in school when you were growing up. Not everybody liked you, but you made it anyway, right?


    Jesus experienced more rejection than any of us has ever experienced. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” Did Jesus quit? No, He went on to those who discerned His value. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12 )


    The disciples were told to shake the dust from off their feet as a testimony against those who would not receive them and the Word of the Good News that they brought of Salvation through Faith in Christ Jesus. When Jesus sent out the disciples to preach the Good News, he gave them several commands. One of these was basically to not waste time trying to convince those who refused to receive the Word.


    Most great salespeople know that 14 out of 15 people will say no. So they hurry and make their presentations to as many as possible, in order to reach that one who will say yes. Jesus said, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” (Matthew 10:14) When we encounter rejection, we must shake it off and move on. Sooner or later we will succeed if we just don’t quit. When someone rejects what we have to offer that doesn’t mean they’re rejecting us.


    Opportunity and opposition – they go together like macaroni and cheese. Life is not going to hand us success on a silver platter; we’ve got to overcome adversity and outlast the opposition in order to walk through the door. And only two things are required: our faith and God’s favor.


    Thought of the Day: There is a difference between “hearing” the Word and “receiving” the Word. Everyone will eventually have “heard” the Word, in some form. But, not all will “receive” it to be saved. We must share the Word so that no one will have an excuse for not believing.




    I GOT THIS EMAIL

    Dr. Joe Pettigrew


    “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13


    The email I received from an attorney in Lagos, Nigeria appeared to be very official and personal. It was a “Notification of Bequest”. Wonderful news! The notification stated in part: “On behalf of my late client, I write to notify you that my late client made you a beneficiary to the bequest sum of Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand US Dollars (US$470,000) in the last codicil to his last will and testament... According to him, he is giving you this because of your involvement in Christian activities and in making better the world’s situation... You are therefore required by this notification to confirm your ownership to this legacy by forwarding photocopy of any of the following proofs of identities... Best Regards, David Attah (Head of Chamber).” I am quite sure this was real! LOL


    Since I had received some previously suspicious emails from Nigeria I used a search engine to check out David Attah and Pastor Ekeocha. David Attah does appear to be an attorney but I found several instances of the exact same email having been sent to other Christians and Christian organizations. According to the information I found - once they are in contact with you fees are required for processing and for various things bleeding as much money as they can from those involved. Internet scam is the third largest industry in Nigeria! It was another example of something that was simply too good to be true.


    Sadly, many carry over the situation of the world to the spiritual realm and are unable to believe that we have a God so good that His own Son would die (John 3:16) for our sins. It is hard for us to comprehend that the Creator of the Universe desires to adopt us in to His royal family and make us joint-heirs (Romans 8:17) with Christ.


    We don’t deserve it. But it is true! God loves us and has provided a way for us to be reconciled to the Holy, Righteous God. What must we do to become a part of the royal family and have our sins washed away? We must receive/accept the gift of Jesus Christ. Turn from our love of the world and turn to God. We can never deserve, never fully comprehend Him but by faith we receive Him and are born into the Kingdom of God.


    Thought of the Day: God has bequeathed to you the glorious riches of Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:19). There is no cost or hidden fees, it is a gift. Claim your inheritance today! Receive Him!


    THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL

    Dr. Joe Pettigrew


    “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12


    We hear of person after person who begins to use illegal substances, or who becomes involved in sinful activities, and their lives begin to disintegrate. It is the downward spiral, which continues until they are hurt, arrested, or hurt someone. Sometimes the disintegration is very obvious. There is a site on the internet that shows mug shots where people are in this very obvious downward spiral. It is sickening how much deterioration that can happen to a person in a very brief period of time.


    Once in the downward spiral of things going from bad to worse, there is a sense of hopelessness that sets in. Because of that sense of hopelessness, the self-destructive behavior continues and often even accelerates. But it does not have to be that way! Because there is hope! Instead of a downward spiral of destruction, there can be an upward spiral into blessing.


    If you or someone you love is in a downward spiral, how do you stop the free fall? How do you begin going the other way? Step one is to receive Jesus as your Savior. When you receive Jesus as your Savior, you become a child of God (John 1:12). When Jesus is your Savior, it means that you have become a part of the royal family, and not just any royal family; but the royal family of the King of kings and Lord of lords. No one can take that away from you. As the apostle Paul puts it, "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).


    Step two out of the downward spiral, and into the upward spiral of blessing, is to start living like a child of the King of kings and the Lord of lords ought to live. I know you have all of these excuses, and you’ve failed every time you’ve tried to do better, and on and on. It does not have to be that way. Why? Because you are no longer alone. One plus one no longer equals two. Things have changed, and God Himself is on your side. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things (Romans 8:31-32)?" "…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)


    Thought of the Day: Believe now in His Name, live in His power and begin the upward spiral of blessing.


    HE CAME TO LIVE WITH US

    Dr. Joe Pettigrew


    “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 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


    When a former Chicago mayor was concerned about violence in the city’s housing projects, she did a surprising thing: she moved into one of them. In 1981, she lived for twenty days in an apartment in Cabrini Green. While her action sparked controversy, her decision to live among the poorest citizens of Chicago also drew needed attention to a long-neglected neighborhood.


    The Gospel of John begins by focusing on how God came to dwell among us.


    John takes us to the beginning—not just when Jesus was born on Earth but all the way back to the beginning of time. The Son of God did not begin to exist at His physical birth; He was present at the Creation: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John stakes a claim: Jesus is God Himself. Jesus coexisted with His Father from the beginning.


    God’s people had been looking forward to the arrival of the Messiah who would fulfill the promises made to Abraham and David. Now God had come to them directly in the person of His Son, Jesus. John the Baptist was sent ahead as a messenger to announce the arrival of the Messiah.


    Even though God was made flesh and dwelt among us, the “world did not recognize him.” How could they have missed the One for whom they had been searching? What disappointment!


    But this opening passage also holds great promise for those who receive Jesus, “to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”.


    Thought of the Day: Pray for a person you know today who is searching for a Savior, that they will believe in the name of Jesus. And give thanks to the Lord for His willingness to dwell among us so that we could have salvation and a relationship with God through Christ.



    Pettigrew, D. J. (n.d.). Devotional - Dr.  Joe Pettigrew -  The Daily Huddle.



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      John 1:9-18
      #Adoption
      #Faith
      #Glory
      #God: Father
      #Grace
      #Jesus: Birth
      #Jesus: Divinity
      #Jesus: Humanity
      #Power
      #Revelation
      #Truth
      #John the Baptist



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