Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Gospel of John 1:14 The Darling of Heaven

“And the Word became 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” (Gospel of John 1:14)

The eternal Son of God who, with a word created everything in our universe, took upon Himself the form of a man and lived in the very world He created.  Those whose lives he touched “beheld His glory.” Concerning all that Christ did, John wrote “that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).  He restored sight to the blind, cleansed the leper and raised the dead. He brought peace to troubled hearts and hope to those in despair. With a word He calmed the storm and even the grave had no power to hold Him. But there is more to Christ than power, much more!

His disciples loved Him and were overcome with sorrow on hearing word of His departure. To them He was patient, kind and tender.  His acceptance of them was such that John could lie in His bosom (John 13:23). In remorse Peter would weep bitterly for having denied Him (Luke 22:62).  It is believed that all bar John would finally die for Him. They beheld His glory and experienced His love. He was “the good Shepherd” who would give His life for the sheep (John 10:11). The cross was carried for their sake. The suffering he endured was for their deliverance. The life he ultimately gave was that they might have life. He dwelt among them for a time that they might dwell with Him for eternity. In beholding Him they saw His glory. As they opened their hearts to Him they found One wonderful beyond compare.

Today, as in eternity past, the heavens wait upon His every word and cherubim fall in worship at His feet. He is still the good Shepherd to those who receive Him. He is the Darling of Heaven for those who look to Him alone. He is ever kind, compassionate and loving. He can deliver you no matter what your state. Why would you reject Him?

Gospel Of John 1:12-13 Not Humanly Possible

But as many as received Him[Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (Gospel of John 1:12-13)

It is sometimes said that “all men are children of God.” The Bible teaches that man was created in the image of God (Gen 1:26) so there’s a certain element of truth to this saying. All have the capacity to think, to communicate, to plan or even dream. We have emotions, memories, convictions and a conscience that judges us! There can be no arguing that man is certainly special but, not all are “children of God.” We cannot BE children of God and then “BECOME children of God.” Both cannot be true. Only those who “receive” Jesus have the “right to become children of God.”

Becoming “a child of God” is not something man has the power to bring about. Yes, we have put a man on the moon but we have our limits. This new birth does not come about naturally (“of blood”) nor from human effort, power or ingenuity (”will of the flesh/man”). It is “of God.” God gives a new life and this life is not of this world. It’s the life of Christ. A life that desires to please God. A life that delights in truth and hates evil. A true child of God is different and noticeably so! There is a deep and abiding desire to be led by God through the Word of God (John 17:17). There is a new discernment concerning that which is false or perverse (John 10:3-5). His life is not characterized by indulgence (Eph 2:3) and disobedience (1 John 1:6).  This life hungers to be close to God and is devastated by sin (Psalm 32:5; yes, true Christians can and do sin!). Though he may fall, he doesn’t stay in the “pig pen” (Luke 15:17-18). When God gives life there is a visible and abiding change.