January 28

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1.
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:1-3.

I am indebted to a pastor friend, Steve, for pointing out how God reveals Himself and His Son Jesus in progressive steps. It is as if pages are being turned, from one revelation to another. So it is in the passages above. We see God creating, then we learn that the Word, Jesus, is also God; then we learn that He has walked among us in human form. His followers could see, hear, and touch Him as they fellowshipped together. This is the ultimate picture of grace as God makes Himself available to us.

It is also true that this becomes available to us by faith. We did not have the privilege of seeing Jesus in person, but He Himself said, “Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” (John 20:29b). I claim this verse, and God will honor it. We serve a God who has chosen to ‘get down in the dirt’ with us. He is not aloof or arrogant toward us—instead He chooses to experience and identify with every pain, every problem and every circumstance. I am in awe of Him!

Thank You Father for every page You open that reveals who You are. I could not handle it all at once, but You have chosen a way of grace that gradually allows me to see more and more of You. I could not ask for a better approach. You are the greatest! Amen.
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