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 nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
One the the greatest failures of man is our insistence on making sense out of the actions of God. Somehow we have this notion that God works (or ought to work) in a logical, predictable, relatable manner. It’s our contention that the mind of God is within reach if we only try hard enough. So we study. We debate. We deliberate. Until finally we come up with suppositions, conjectures, theories and options that we firmly stand on; so firm that we’ve fought and killed those who have different opinions or viewpoints. And then expect that God is pleased. Crazy right? That has been the history of the world from the beginning of time. Remember Cain killed Able over religious differences. But Cain didn’t know Jesus. And knowing Jesus ought to make all the difference in the world.
Which brings me to our prime objective this morning. I want you to know Jesus. I mean to truly know and experience him in ways that words and language could never express. My prayer is that you know him like light knows God.
In reading Genesis and the account of creation, did you ever note that light was created on day one, but the sun not until day four? So what really lit the sky wasn’t the sun or moon, but the word of God. And it wasn’t predicated on the comprehension, cooperation or permission of darkness. God simply said, “Let there be”, and it was.
This certainly ought to be an epiphany for those of us that have been changed from darkness to light. Just like the sun and moon that believe they are responsible for light, the truth is they only reflect the word of God. God spoke light into existence before the sun or moon was ever formed. They aren’t a power unto themselves. In matter of fact, in reading Revelation 21:22-23 John states, “But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” So all of us that thought we would be worshipping in church day and night, will have to do it without the comfort or our beloved pews, organs, tambourines and fans. And no sun. We will exist simply by the expressed Word of God, which is in the person of Jesus the Christ.
There’s an old truism that says ‘it’s not what someone says that’s most important; it’s what they’re saying that matters most’. We spend an inordinate amount of time trying to interpret, explain and understand what God said. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with digging in the sacred text to recite and remember the words God gave us to ponder upon. But nothing is more important than knowing the Author. Never ever replace the Word with words. The eternal focus must remain on the intent of God for man. And that purpose is fulfilled in Christ and Him alone.
Think of it this way. What we understand the Bible to say is not conclusive. I believe what I believe. You believe what you believe. The only thing conclusive is what God actually intended. What He spoke, and to whom He spoke to is what determines what’s conclusive. For instance, science teaches us that if the sun goes out we will all die. But God says something different. I can’t figure out how God is going to do it. But He said what He said.
And the same is true in each of our lives. Sometimes it seems everybody got something to say about how you should live, what you should do, and what you need to believe. But when you actually know Jesus (the Living Word) his statement in your heart supersedes all opinion, conjecture and supposition. If Christ accepts you, what does it matter who doesn’t?
Child of God be comforted by the confidence you have in Him. You may be wrong about many things. We all are. But what God has declared for your life is immutable and eternal in the heavens. Sun or no sun. Moon or no moon. No family, friends, church, money, health or home, you are blessed of the Lord. Not because you feel it, understand it, or even believe it right now. But only because, He Said What He Said!
God bless
Last** Sunday’s Sermon Video: https://youtu.be/jFOKI1tg2lg
