September 13, 2023 - John 1

What I once wrote still holds true: Reading the Gospel of John, I’m always just overwhelmed by that opening stanza. Just to read it and reflect on it!

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning.

All things were created by Him,

and apart from Him not one thing was created

that has been created.

Life was in Him,

and that life was the light of men.

That light shines in the darkness,

yet the darkness did not overcome it. –John 1:1-5

John understood. He explained that he was not worthy even to untie the sandal strap of the Word. When he saw him, John testified of the Word: “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (1:29) Andrew understood. He said to his brother, Peter: “We have found the Messiah” (1:41). Philip understood. He told Nathanael: “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!” (1:45) Even the skeptical Nathanael came to understand and said: “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (1:49)

This is just amazing stuff! It was amazing then, and it is amazing, now!

Ere the blue heavens were stretched abroad,

From everlasting was the Word;

With God he was, the Word was God,

And must divinely be adored.

By his own power were all things made;

By him supported all things stand;

He is the whole creation’s head,

And angels fly at his command.

Mortals with joy beheld his face,

The eternal Father’s only Son:

How full of truth, how full of grace,

The brightness of the Godhead shone! --Isaac Watts (1707)