TEXT:

‘In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself’ – John 1:1 Amplified Bible

THOUGHT:

There are many titles ascribed to Jesus in the Bible. The reason for this is simple, one word alone could never fully describe all that He is and ever will be. The text reveals one such title, “The Word” and this forms the basis for the next two Today’s Teachings.

• Jesus – The Eternal Word – His Divinity – ‘In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself’.

Jesus, the eternal Word, always was, always is and always will be. Many people think that Jesus only came into existence at His birth 2000+ years ago, but He is part of the eternal Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is why the Bible states, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever’ – Hebrews 13:8. Jesus said, ‘Most assuredly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!’ – John 8:58. God used the same phrase to describe Himself when Moses asked what name to tell the Children of Israel had sent him. ‘I am’ – Exodus 3:14. This was the only real reason the religious authorities crucified Jesus. ‘For blasphemy because you being a man, make yourself God’ – John 10:33. Also when they asked Him, “Are you the Christ?” He could not deny it. He had to tell the truth even though He knew it would cost Him His life.

• Jesus – The Living Word – His Ability – ‘The words I have spoken to you are full of the Spirit. They give life’ – John 6:63 NIRV

Jesus was the Word in creation, ‘And God said ….and there was…’ – Genesis 1:3. The Centurion recognised Jesus’ creative ability when he said, ‘Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed’ – Matthew 8:6. Sometimes the church ends up sending people away empty-handed, their problems unresolved (See Matthew 15:23), but Jesus says, ‘Bring them to Me!’ – Matthew 17:17. Jesus reminded His disciples, ‘What is impossible for people is possible with God’ – Luke 18:27. If Jesus could calm the storm with just words, He can speak words into your troubled life that bring peace and healing.

• Jesus – The Final Word – His Authority – ‘I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last’ – Revelation 1:11

We all love to have the final word. Wives love it when their husband’s final word to a request is “Yes, Dear!” Jesus loves it when we say, “Yes, Lord!” It’s easy to forget that He is both Saviour and Lord. ‘If you love Me, keep My commandments’ – John 14:15. I have said this before and I will say it again, “If I and the Bible disagree, I am wrong!” The Bible has not been written for you to simply pick out the verses you like, but to be the guiding principle of your day to day living. ‘For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]’ – 1 John 5:3 Amplified Bible. Becoming a Christian is coming under someone else’s authority and saying like Saul of Tarsus, ‘Lord what do You want me to do?’ – Acts 9:6.

If there is something God has told you to do, which you are not doing, then repent, submit and do it!