Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Authenticity of the Word of God

St. John 1:1-15

 Vs. 12: "...to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God"

The Gospel according to St. John was written by one of the most loved disciples of Jesus - John (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). It is testimony of John about Jesus written at a time while there was increasing persecution against Christians. As we read the Gospel according to St.John we realize that a significant portion of its writings is not recorded in the other three Gospels of Mathew, Mark and Luke. While the other three Gospels describe the events that happened in Jesus' life, John explains the meaning of those events.

A few thoughts that stood out as I read this Bible portion include:

1. Jesus - The Word: Unlike the Gospel of Mathew and Luke which begins by recording the genealogy of Christ through the patriarchs, John traces Jesus' origin to God even before anything was created. Jesus is God's Word that which created the world around us (Vs.3), that which lived among us (Vs.14) and is the light for all mankind (Vs.4). These verses depict the divinity of Lord Jesus Christ which Apostle John wants us to understand instructing to read this Gospel worshipfully, humbly and submissively. Jesus as the Word is everything that God wanted to speak to us mankind - in the flesh, in the message and in the living.

2. We - The Children of God: John says clearly in his prologue that it is only through faith and belief that we become Children of God (Vs.12). In our natural descent, we describe our relations with our generations as children, grandchildren, great grandchildren etc. But in our relationship with God, there is only one status - Children of God. God does not have grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even our own children through their faith and love for Christ, become the Children of God. The more we understand God's love for us given to us by His grace, we humble ourselves filled with joy and love which pours out to others thus glorifying God. As children of God, we will manifest God's presence everywhere which requires us to grow in the image and likeness of God each day.

Let us consciously try to grow in the image and likeness of God, believing in Lord Jesus Christ, saved by His grace living every moment glorifying God in everything we do.

Prayer

Lord, help our faith grow deeper so that we become your children. Amen


Thought of the Day
God is love and God's love changes us.

Merila P. Koshy
W/o Rev. Thomas P. Koshy, Ranni Nazreth

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