December 7

Scripture Reading

John 1:1-5

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.

Devotion

Have you ever tried listening to an NBA (National Basketball Association) conversation about who the GOAT is? You know, the Greatest Of All Time? If you have, you will soon find out that the names you hear will directly correlate with the athlete of their generation. For example, members of Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) may be unwavering in their stance that Michael Jordan, the six-time champion of the Chicago Bulls, is the undisputed GOAT while the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) have very different opinions - possibly Wilt Chamberlain (2 championships), or Bill Russel (11 championships). How about the Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996)? Most may claim that LeBron James (4 championships) deserves the title, while others, maybe a bit younger, prefer Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

No matter your position in the discussion, it is certainly entertaining. Truthfully, there is little doubt that there are those who have never heard the names I mentioned above. This is possible because the genre of sports does not move them, but if you engage in other topics such as science, technology, and history, their level of enthusiasm may be triggered.

But how about the real GOAT? The Greatest Of All Time, above all others, despite their field of expertise? According to the Gospel of John 1:1-5, the apostle John makes a cogent argument that this passage lays the foundation for Jesus as the GOAT. Here, we encounter a profound and poetic proclamation that unveils the cosmic and eternal significance of Jesus Christ. John 1:1-5 transcends time and space, inviting us into a contemplation of the Word – the Logos – through which all things came into being. The prologue begins with a bold declaration:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1, NIV).

This opening echoes the opening words of Genesis, emphasizing the timeless and eternal nature of the Word. The use of "Word" (Logos in Greek) carries profound significance, drawing from both Jewish and Greek thought. In the Jewish tradition, the Word of God is associated with creative power and divine revelation. The Word is God's expression of divine will, a dynamic force that brings forth creation. By employing this concept, John elevates Jesus to a cosmic and pre-existent status, aligning him with the divine wisdom of God. To me, as the Greatest Of All Time.

John’s language in this text alludes to the creation story of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, as God created the universe and created light out of darkness with the spoken word (Genesis 1:1-3). John 1:3-5 reads,

“All things were made through him, and without him was not anything 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.”

The reference to light being birthed out of the life of Jesus to offer hope to humanity in the prologue of the Gospel of John is purposeful and redeeming. Purposeful because it directly associates Jesus Christ as the creator God and redeeming because the life of Jesus offers spiritual light to a world living in the darkness, separated from the creator of light. This metaphorical language highlights the transformative and illuminating power of Christ. The darkness symbolizes sin, ignorance, and separation from God, while the light represents the life and truth brought by the Word.

Before the foundations of the world were laid, before time itself, the Word existed in perfect union with God. Ponder Christ's eternal nature, existing before creation as an integral part of the divine essence. Take a moment to reflect on the comfort and assurance that come from knowing that Jesus is not bound by time; He is the constant, unchanging presence in our lives. As we navigate the complexities of life, may these verses serve as a constant reminder of the profound truth that in Jesus Christ, we find not only the Creator of the universe but the Light that dispels darkness and the source of abundant life. Jesus Christ is the undisputed GOAT.

Reflection

1. How does the light of God shine in our lives day by day?

2. How can the light of God shine through me into a dark world?

   
   

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Notes

Song: Light of the World, Lauren Daigle.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.