In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1
When J. Vernon McGee began one of his messages on the book of Chronicles, he made it clear that it was not a repeat of the book of Kings, but that it contained further details of the times. Likewise, Deuteronomy is not merely a restatement of Leviticus but more sermon-like to encourage Israel to faithful obedience to God.
As Mark L. Strauss indicates in his book Four Portraits, One Jesus, each of the four New Testament Gospels presents a unique portrait of Christ, who He is and what He accomplished. Jesus is presented as Messiah King in Matthew and as the Suffering Servant in Mark. Luke speaks of the Lord as the Son of Man, born of Mary to be Savior. Startling as it was to the Pharisees, John identifies Jesus throughout as the Son of God, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (1:1, emphasis added). From eternity past to eternity future Jesus is God.
Theologian Dr. John R. Rice wrote, “It is fitting that the same term is used for Christ and the Bible. Both Christ and the Scriptures are eternal… One cannot be saved without Christ, and one cannot be saved without the Word, the Gospel, whether it be read or heard.” Paul emphasizes in Romans 1:16 that the Gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
The message of Jesus will only have an impact where it is heard. Pray both for those who govern this country and for Americans at large who have never heard. May the Word of God be presented to them with a freshness that causes their hearts to turn in belief to Jesus Christ, the eternal Lord.
Today’s Verse: John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 1:1-7
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
