Today's Scripture
John 1:10–14
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (NRSV)
Reflection
These are simple but powerful statements about the nature of our relationship with God: what it is, could be, and should be. Verse 10 notes that “the world came into being through him.” For most of us, when things come into being through us, especially if these “creations” are our children, we nurture a love for, commitment to, and expectations of them that know no bounds. This is the very basis for God’s timeless love for and commitment to us. Each of us, as unique creations, are called daily to allow our lives to be shaped and guided by God, who expects to have a relationship with each of us.
We’re then told in verse 12 that to those who believe in his name “he gave power to become children of God,” unquestionably the most powerful and empowering thing any of us could ever hope or claim to be. So why haven’t we all stepped up to claim this birthright? The answer to this question is found back in verse 10, that “the world did not know him.” Some translations of this phrase read that “the world did not recognize him.” Indeed, it strains the imagination to think that it is possible to live fulfilled lives without knowing where we came from and why we’re here.
The imagery in verse 14 is beautiful and comforting. “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” This is, of course, the very source of our Christian hope. I am haunted, however, by the notion of a world that did not recognize him, and my disappointment is unspeakable when I consider that far too often something that I do or say, or perhaps something that I don’t do or don’t say, makes it hard for the world to recognize Christ in me.
Prayer
Lord, as we consider your word during this Advent season, help us to live lives full of grace and truth so that others will recognize you in and through us. Amen.
Written by John Marr, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email