Here’s what we sometimes need most to remember: how it all began
By Dean Collins
Sometimes when things feel uncertain in life or doubts arise concerning how situations will resolve, it helps to remember how it all began.
The apostle John, the author of the fourth Gospel, wasn’t there at creation, but he broke bread and camped out with the Creator who came in the flesh and lived for a season among us. From him, John learned how things were made and how light was and is revealed through Jesus. John saw the resurrected Jesus and saw the evidence that the darkness definitely did not overcome the light.
The darkness definitely did not overcome the light.
John saw how Jesus extended grace to others. He experienced it himself over and over. He witnessed the powerful truth of Jesus and the powerful grace of Jesus. John also watched the grace upon grace experienced in the life of the early church and even a dramatic revelation of Jesus, including how all things will end. This same John opened the book of Revelation with a blessing of grace and peace on the churches in Asia, and also upon us.
There at the beginning
I was praying for and thinking about my friend I mentioned yesterday as I read today’s verses this morning. At some point in our conversation with him, I had mentioned that we do know evil doesn't actually win. He laughed and said, “Yeah, I’ve read the book.” But sometimes those of us who have read that book need the fresh word of scripture that reminds us that Jesus was there at the beginning and he will stand as King of kings in the end. That picture helps us keep our struggles in perspective. We may not be able to do anything but faithfully endure our trials, knowing that nothing we are experiencing was unknown or unfelt by Jesus.
Nothing we are experiencing was unknown or unfelt by Jesus.
The one who by his voice spoke the world into existence will by his voice and the sound of trumpets declare that all things are made right and whole again. Every sickness, every difficulty, every injustice will all be made right by Jesus.
Because we know that, we can love those around us, including those whose sin has brought us personal harm and suffering.
The Light of the world will not be extinguished. May he shine through us today until we see him face-to-face in all his glory!
Your time with God’s Word
John 1:1-18; Revelation 1:4-6 ESV
Photo courtesy of NASA via unsplash.com.
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