“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-3,14
Devotional Thought For The Day
What was the greatest day in human history? Some might think of some invention, the day it was thought up, the day it was finally brought to production, or the day it became available for purchase. Others might think of some significant historical event, the signing of a peace treaty, the formation of the United Nations, or other legislative acts of nations. Some might think it was the day that the first craft launched into space, or the day of the lunar landing, or the day we launched one of the other deep space exploring crafts. People also like to consider what might constitute the greatest day in their own personal lives. Some might think of a significant graduation, or a day when they received some award, or the day they landed their “dream job,” or got a big pay raise, or even the day they retired. Others might think of their wedding day as the greatest, or the day of the birth of their children.
John mentions two of the most significant days in human history, and I would suspect that when we think of them we would agree that these have to be two of the greatest days so far in human history The first is the creation of all things at the beginning, that is, before the universe was created, before time. The creation of all things was “through” the Word, the Divine Son of God. He was with the Father “in the beginning,” before time, and therefore eternally, without beginning or end. Without this “day” [actually six days] there would be no world or cosmos and we wouldn’t be reading, contemplating, rejoicing, or even existing. The second day John mentions is when this Word became flesh. It is compelling that the One with the power and magnificence to create all things would enter into His creation by taking on human flesh and becoming one of us.
One might think that God becoming flesh must have the purpose of straightening us out once and for all, of setting everything back in order. We think this because power and strength are usually the most direct and effective ways of changing things for the better. However, God is not primarily interested in how effectively and efficiently things are going in His world or among the affairs of mankind; rather He is interested in us, in each of us, for we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” [Psalm 139:14] and therefore of considerable value to God, objects of His greatest love. So in view of the mess that sin has made of human existence, personally and communally, God determined to display His grace and truth in giving His Son, Himself, so that we might experience His great love for us through repentance [integrity, truth] and faith [knowledge of and trust in His forgiveness, mercy, and love]. For this Word Who became flesh is the sacrificial blood of atonement for our sins, and for the sins of the whole world. [1 Jn. 2:2] In Him all human beings have been redeemed, their sin and guilt taken away; there is nothing to keep them from peace with God and eternal salvation [except themselves].
This leads to contemplation of two other wondrous days already accomplished – the day of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross to pay justice for every human sin that will ever be committed in God’s cosmos, and His glorious resurrection to life on the third day for our justification and for the victory and vindication of all who believe in Him. Surely these two days also belong on the list of the greatest days in human history. And there remains one great day yet to come, the day of Christ’s return in glory when He will make new heavens and a new earth, the home of righteousness. Our resurrection and complete restoration to a glorified and fully sanctified body, mind, soul, and spirit will occur on that glorious day. It was for this purpose that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us – full of grace and truth. And I suspect that experientially this will be the greatest day of our lives.
The season of Advent within the church historically has been a time to contemplate these great days so that we may become more captivated by the love of God our Savior. This is a fantastically wondrous privilege and brings so much good to us and to God’s world, for by this contemplation we are transformed into His image “from one degree of glory to another.” [2 Cor. 3:18] This is our privilege every day because of the advent of the Word in human flesh to be our Savior, so that we might also lovingly embrace Him as our Lord. Immanuel – thanks and praise be to God!
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your precious Word, the Bible, through which You grant us knowledge of Your great love for us and of Your eternal plan for Your dear people of faith. Continue to strengthen us in faith and knowledge that we may have Your peace and joy in abundance. We eagerly await the last great day when our transformation will be complete. Grant that our lives here and now reflect that glory to come. Amen.