In The Beginning Was The Word
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Stanley Loh, Core Team, SGM)
READ:
John 1 is a very long passage with many takeaways. My devotion and reflection are however drawn from the earlier verses of John 1 as well as Psalm 53.
OBSERVE:
John 1 opens with the statement that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (v1). Through him all things were made… (v3); In him was life (v4); and the light shines in the darkness (v5). The true light came into the world (v9); He was in the world that was made through him yet the world did not recognize him (v10); his own did not receive him (v11) .
In Psalm 53, the fool says in his heart, “There is no God” (v1), yet God looks to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God (v2). Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt (v3).
APPLY:
I had two questions in my faith journey:
- how can I be sure that my four grown up children, their would-be spouses and children will be saved?
- how do I reconcile the fact that God made an oath with Abraham and David that the Jews would be the chosen generation, yet Jesus’ death on the cross cleansed everyone of their sins and the Gentiles are now of even standing today?
But John 1:12-13 clearly says, ”Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God , children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
Indeed, as a first generation Christian in my family, my faith was not the doing of my parents nor of my spouse, but of God.
DO:
I have received Christ as my Savior and Jesus has atoned for my sins. I know my Redeemer and I want to continue walking with Him every day of my life. I claim the promise from John 1:12-13 that I am a child of God and I can call God Abba Father. Though I am anxious, I must trust God for my children’s salvation and subsequently for their children’s.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, You are Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Through You, all things were made; without You, nothing was made that has been made. Help me to know and accept Your will for me and my family. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
