Wednesday | Week 1
“Let’s start at the very beginning…a very good place to start.”
The Sound of Music
I can hear Julie Andrews’ voice singing this lovely melody from The Sound of Music as I read the first chapter of John’s Gospel. A clean slate, home plate, kick-off, commencement, “A,B,C, Do-Re-Mi”—whatever illustration or song resonates, the lead story of this book captures our attention. God, the Creator and Organizer of all things, brought life and light into a very dark place.
The New Living Translation says,
In the beginning the Word already existed
John 1:1 NLT
Now that’s difficult for the finite mind to resolve as we comprehend the infinite. But Creator God always was, and is, and will always be. The Great I Am creates space for existence itself. This truth brings a stability and a stratus of comfort and confidence into our unsettled, evolving world.
John the Baptist was the loud, appointed voice bringing awareness and making space for the light of Jesus in his time. Why do we need the boisterous witness to shout it out? Well, we easily miss Jesus in the middle of our current, darkened state. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul points out that we often get it wrong.
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror
1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT
We are living in this world, walking through a carnival house of mirrors, lost in a maze of our perceptions and deceptions. GOOD NEWS—the Word has come!
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it
John 1:5 NLT
We all have experience trying to walk in the dark, stubbing our toe as we try to find the door. My mother always insists on a nightlight turned on in the bathroom when we go home to visit. In the darkness of night, when we may forget where we are in a dazed, dream-like state, we travel to the light that is shining the pathway forward. We don’t get lost in the dark. John is plugging in the nightlight, reminding us of the very essence of our God, infusing hope into our unfolding story. Darkness doesn’t win! Wake up and see the light.
Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:29 NIV
Thoughts for Meditation
Meditate on John 1:1–5. As you read the words of John and reflect on your life, what are some places where you need the light of Jesus to shine bright and overcome darkness?
Close your eyes and think of an area in your life where you might be feeling alone, afraid, lost, exhausted. Invite Jesus to bring new life, grace and truth into the situation. In complete surrender, offer your fears and concerns to God.
How is God calling you to be a witness to the truth and beauty of Jesus in your life to those around you? Pray for additional spheres of influence where you can help point people toward God.