2 Jan
In the Beginning
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
It’s that time of year again. The calendar is fresh and uncluttered. The blank pages are as crisp as the winter temperatures, and the possibilities that lie ahead are endless. It is also the time when many of us decide to make some changes in our lives, and some even take the time to write lists of New Year’s resolutions. That’s great. After all, as Socrates is reported to have said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” But, may I suggest that as you are looking at the latest self-help manuals and seeking the perfect exercise regimen to “tighten your abs in just 8 weeks” that you also take the time to begin the New Year with God and His Word?
As the Gospel of John notes, the Word is more than just a text message from heaven. The Word was there in the beginning as “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light’” (Gen. 1:3). The Word was there when “The Lord said to Abram, ‘Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you’” (Gen 12:1). The Word was there when God called to Moses from the burning bush (Ex. 3), and it was there when Josiah read the Book of the Covenant to “all the people from great to small … and made a covenant in the Lord’s presence” (2 Chron. 34).
The Word was there when the angel of the Lord said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30). John writes, “The Word became flesh and took up residence among us” (John 1:14). The Word is still among us as Jesus beckons us to follow Him into the year which lies ahead. The best thing we can do as we prepare for the journey of 2008 is to answer that call with a “Yes, Lord” and a resolution to spend time with Him and His Word. He will lead, convict, inspire, restrain, enlighten, and transform our lives in ways unimaginable in this New Year. So how about it? Are you up to the challenge? Make time to spend time with God and His Word this year. I promise it will make all the difference in 2008.
Lord Jesus, you are the Living Word and the lamp which guides my steps. Lead me in your ways and reveal your truths to me as I seek them in your Word. Strengthen my resolve to learn more of you in 2008 and cause me to crave the pure spiritual milk of your Word so that I may grow up in my salvation (1 Peter 2:2). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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Filed in: Time
