June 22. John 1

June 22. John 1

I love the way John starts his gospel by writing in similar style to the way Genesis begins. If you are one of the millions of people who are watching The Chosen, a TV series that unfolds the lives of the disciples who were chosen by Christ to be His own, perhaps you bawled your eyes out—as I did—when that was illustrated in the first episode of season two!! John starts out his gospel declaring the deity of Christ boldly and unmistakably. Jesus created the world from nothing by His Word. And Jesus IS the Word. All things come from Him. Fully God, yet fully man. This is one of the most theologically significant passages of scripture in the Bible. And oh, it reads so beautifully and poetically! I love it.

John packs so many truths about Jesus into this chapter! He is the light. He shows unfailing love and faithfulness. He put on flesh and dwelled among us—God in human form. He gives us the right to be called children of God. He is Messiah. The longed-for One who will set the world to rights. And, like John the Baptist who heralded Him, we are not worthy to even have the privilege of stooping to untie the straps of His sandals. For He is also the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

If you ever want to sit and worship, consider praying through John 1, turning each verse into a prayer of praise and adoration:  Lord, I praise You that in the beginning … You were already there. You, Lord Jesus, were somehow with God and yet You are God. Triune God, You are beyond my comprehension …

My verse: John 1:14 “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

My response: This chapter just might be my very favorite. John teaches so beautifully of the Jesus he personally knew and loved. You, Lord. Fully human. Fully divine. It’s just beautiful to ponder and I get lost in the wonder of it, Lord! You—full of love and faithfulness—my Rock that will not fail. You—full of glory beyond my ability to grasp or comprehend—Holy. Holy. Holy. You. Whom I adore.