Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Sunday, March 13, 2016
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14).
Words are powerful! With words we can build up. With words we can tear down. We can share a word of encouragement when a dear friend is sad, or we can withhold words of affirmation when a family member needs reassurance. By the words of the Lord were the heavens and earth formed. By lying words was Eve deceived at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. A word spoken by the governor at just the right time can authorize a stay of execution for a man moments away from the death penalty. Hopefully, you find our creatively organized words from this daily devotional thought uplifting for your eternal welfare. Words can be used in divergent ways. Words are an expression of the minds and will. Words are powerful! The most powerful Word in all of Scripture is that which became flesh and dwelt among us—Jesus Christ.
The Bible says that from before there was a beginning (don’t miss that), the Word was there. This Word was equal to and present with God (the Father), and the Word was God (the Son). It continues by saying that this Word created all things, yet He assumed human form and lived in the presence of human beings for 33-½ years. Since this Word is none other than Jesus Christ, when He embodies the expression of the mind of the Father, we must take note of God’s expression. Here’s the primary expression: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16–17). So God’s will and mind toward you is that He loves you so much, that He gave you the supreme Gift of His Son, so you could be delivered from the eternal death penalty (the price of sinning), and have eternal life instead. This Word, which is Christ, is effectual to deliver your soul from sin.
Another expression of God’s will and mind communicated through Jesus, the Word, is He loves you so much that He wants you to be where He is. It’s one thing to have a long-distance relationship and become comfortable with that. It’s another thing altogether to strive to be together forever. This is the mind of God toward you: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1–3). God is working diligently to prepare a home for you to be with Him forever.
One final expression for today of God’s will and mind communicated through Jesus, the Word is, you will be like Him. Can you imagine that if you are cooperative with God’s process of forgiveness, cleansing, an empowerment unto holiness in your life, you will be like Him one day? The Bible says that Jesus is our Example in whose footsteps we should follow by the power of the Holy Spirit. If we do so, as Jesus reflects the image of the Father, we too will reflect Him. Notice what the Scriptures say in the famed love chapter, which is further emphasized in one of John’s letters to God’s people: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12). “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:1–3). One day soon, if we remain faithful to Him, God’s word to us will become a reality. We will be like Him and see Him as He is with nothing diminishing our view.
Let God’s Word to you change your life for all eternity. For this is the expression of God’s mind and will concerning you.
