September 4, 2023

John 1:1-18 (HCSB)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man named John who was sent from God. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. 12 But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. 14 The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and 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.’”) 16 Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, 17 for the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son— the One who is at the Father’s side— He has revealed Him.

Jennifer Kirkup
"Here I am to Worship" While reading these verses, a song comes to mind-"Here I am to Worship" by Hillsong. "Light of the world, you stepped down into darkness." Jesus, the Creator, brought light to all mankind. In His light we see ourselves as we all are, sinners in need of a Savior. We, like John the Baptist, are not the source of light but merely reflections which point others toward Jesus the true light. “Humbly you came”. The Word became Human, Jesus became the perfect teacher, the perfect example, a model of what we are to strive to become. He showed us how to live, and gave us the power to live that way. “All together lovely, all together worthy, all together wonderful to me”. Moses emphasized Gods laws and justice while Jesus taught us God’s mercy, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. Moses could only be the giver of the law while Jesus fulfilled the law. “I’ll never know how much it cost”. The nature of God's will revealed in the law is then revealed again in Jesus. Instead of cold stone tablets, God's revelation came through a man. A man who laid down his life for me so I can live free.