John-In Him was Life

 


 

 

 

Orient

Our first section comes from the prologue, the place where John introduces major themes we will read throughout the book, light, life, belief, rejection, and witness.  The style is poetic and meant to draw imagery from the book of Genesis. 

 

Introduction

Before time began was Jesus.  The Word, the Light, the life of men.  John the Baptizer bore witness than the Creator of all things was coming.  Those who trust in Him are adopted into the family of God.  Let these first few verses of John tune you into the majesty of Christ and gratitude for His arrival.  

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus show me today more of who you are; let me behold your glory and power in a fresh way.  You are my true light.  I come to you for life, use your word to renew me as I spend time with you.  Amen. 

 

Meditation

Read and reread the following passage, taking God’s word in deeply.  As you do be sensitive to a phrase or verse the Holy Spirit emphasizes to you personally. 

John 1:1-13

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Paraphrase

Rewrite the phrase or verse that the Holy Spirit highlighted during meditation.  What is your take away? 

 

Reflect

1.     How was Jesus described?  Which metaphor struck you most deeply?  How does this change or strengthen your view of Christ? 

2.     The Light (Christ) cannot be overcome by darkness.  What darkness are you struggling with?  How does knowing you are a child of God encourage you in that battle? 

3.     We are not the Light but we bear witness about the light.  How do others see Christ in you? 

 

Closing Prayer

Jesus you are a mighty King.  You are the Word, the Active-One who has made all things.  You are Light; you illuminate my mind and are my source of life.  You cannot be overpowered.  Though you made and love the world, not all receive you but I do.  I ask you to come into my life, helping me trust you as your child.  I am born again in you and thank you for the privilege of being yours.  Like John, help me bear witness about the light within me.  Let your presence and goodness shown through me draw others to you. 

 

Continue praying personally to the Lord with what He showed you during mediation and reflection.  

 

 

 

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