Written ~ 11-04-2023
John 1:1-5
1 “In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through Him,
and nothing was created except through Him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and His life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
I like the simplicity of the New Living Translation, but I want to include The Amplified version as well. I want to make sure it is clear to all of us, just who the “Word” is referring to in these verses.
1 “In the beginning [before all-time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God.
3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being.
4 In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.
5 The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].”
If there was any question as to who Jesus Christ is, this set of verses makes it quite clear. “…the Word (Christ)… was with God… and the Word was God Himself…” The Son of God and the Almighty God are One and they are Eternal. In John 10:30, Jesus says very clearly,
30 “The Father and I are one.”
This is who we put our faith and trust in. As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we have the distinct privilege of not only knowing the Son, but we know the Father as well. Let’s look at what Jesus says in John 14:6-11 (AMP),
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. 7 If you had [really] known Me, you would also have known My Father. From now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father and then we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and you do not know Me yet, Philip, nor recognize clearly who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not say on My own initiative or authority, but the Father, abiding continually in Me, does His works [His attesting miracles and acts of power]. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe [Me] because of the [very] works themselves [which you have witnessed].
So, the Word (Christ Jesus), was with God from the very beginning, He is the One who spoke life into every living thing. Verses 1:3-4a,
3 “God created everything through Him,
and nothing was created except through Him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created…”
Let me reiterate… this is Who believers put their faith and trust in! He is the One who delivered us out of darkness by shining His Light and giving us Life!
John 8:12,
12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said,
“I am the Light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness,
because you will have the Light that leads to Life.”
As humans we may have trouble wrapping our brains around the concept of an Eternal God and that Jesus and the Father are One, I realize it might be a truth that’s hard to understand. But that’s where faith comes in. If your heart and your mind are open to the possibilities of learning who Jesus is and who the Father is, it brings a whole new meaning to life! A life with joy, peace and comfort, deliverance from darkness.
The verses we are reading for today are kind of like the opening credits of a movie – the Word and the Father are listed as the Writers, the Directors, the Producers, the Editors and Musicians. They have created the whole thing!
If you’re new to reading the Bible, why not start with the Book of John? The Apostle John has done an awesome job capturing who Christ is and the need for Salvation. It really is a great place to start if you are new to the idea of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior over your life.
The darkness of the world does not see the Light of Jesus, they shield their eyes so they aren’t exposed in their wrongdoing. But those of us who have lifted our heads and opened our eyes, there is clarity, there is Light!
My prayer is if there is anyone reading these words and has yet to see the Light of Jesus, that you would consider removing the shield from your eyes and see His Truth. Let the Word breath Life into your soul and begin to live!
A great start on this new journey is to pray this simple prayer of Salvation, open your heart, open your mind to the possibilities of having the Light of Jesus infiltrate all the dark corners you have hidden away, let that Light shine and forever remove those darkened things from your heart.
Pray this, won’t you?
Dear Jesus, You know my heart, all the things I have done and said. Please forgive me for my unbelief. Please forgive me for all of my sins. I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You came to earth to die on the cross for my sins. I believe You rose from the dead to give me freedom from sin and death. By faith through believing in Who You Are, I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Come into my life, cleanse this heart of mine, white as snow. Help me not to doubt any longer and breathe life into me, fill me with Your light. Thank You Jesus! Amen.
If you solemnly prayed this prayer, tell at least one person, so they can share in your joy!! I rejoice with you! All the angels in Heaven rejoice with you! And just as Jesus said, “I AM the Light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness.”
It is very important to me that those who might be reading these journal pages of mine and don’t yet know the Lord Jesus Christ, that you make that decision. Today. Your heart and mind may not understand everything you have been reading, but if you open your heart to the truth of who Jesus is, you will be saved from sin and death. By the Power of the Holy Spirit you will be amazed at how quickly after giving your heart to the Lord your eyes and ears will be opened to the truth.