Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 146-147; John 1
Devotional Thought:
John 1:14 say, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The “Word” is God in the flesh, Jesus Christ our Savior. It is critical to the Christian faith that God did indeed come to this earth, take on flesh, and shed His innocent blood for the payment of man’s sins. He was the only valid candidate who was qualified to pay for the sins of the world. Verse one makes it clear that Jesus Christ became 100% man while always remaining 100% God. He was truly God in the flesh! This chapter makes it very clear that Jesus Christ did not get His start in a manger in Bethlehem but rather was present at the creation of the world. “The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (vs. 2-3) Jesus Christ was present at the creation of the world and was the agent of creation for everything that was ever made. And yet, this all-powerful God who knows all things and enjoys absolute holiness and righteousness, was willing to be made flesh and dwell among us. He was willing to be the “lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (vs. 29) The truth of God’s love for man, which motivated His gift of salvation offered through His Son, Jesus Christ ought to motivate us to tell others about Him and His great salvation. Andrew, one of Jesus’s future disciples, recognized that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah and followed Him. But this acknowledgement produced action on the part of Andrew. “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, we have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.” (vs. 41-42) Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, the promised Messiah to take away the sins of the world? Have you chosen to follow Him as your Savior and supreme sacrifice for your sins? Then whom have you told lately? How often do you find yourself telling people about this treasure you have in Christ? Phillip, when he was introduced to Christ, followed Him and he immediately found someone to introduce to Christ. “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” (vs. 45) I fear we have become to complacent with the greatest news in all the world, the news that Jesus became flesh, dwelt among us, was crucified for us, and rose again! Have you kept this new secret or are you working to introduce people to the Lamb of God?
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be very aware of opportunities to share the gospel, but please give me a burden to create opportunities as you allow.
• Lord, thank you for dying for my sin and paying my price so that I could have this relationship with you for all eternity.