Word!

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 ESV

Have you ever heard the exclamation “Word”? If not, it is slang that has been around since the 1980s. When someone says something real, profound, or essential, the response is “Word!” In reading the verse found in John today, an appropriate response to “the Word” would be Word!

John wastes no time establishing the divinity of Jesus. The synoptic gospels give us the stories of Mary, Joseph, the angels, and the nativity. John jumps headlong into the theology of Christ, starting with, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) Before the story of man, there was God. The power of all creation was -- and is -- contained in the Word, which is God. All that was required was for God to speak, and all we know came into existence.

The Old Testament begins to unfold God's plan for man. In it, we read of his evolving covenants with humankind and his promises to a chosen people. In it, we hear his divine Word given to different people in different times and places. The New Testament begins with the fulfillment of prophecy and a promise. John goes on to say God chose to take human form so that we may see his glory. The Word became flesh, not so God could experience humanity, but that humanity could experience God. It was the continual revelation of God's desired covenantal relationship with all of us. A promise not given to just one nation, but all people.

The good news of Jesus Christ is that the same offer of relationship with God is still open. Unlike some things with expiration dates, this is an offer that never expires. Jesus, the only Son of God, the Word in the beginning and without end, continues to invite us into a relationship. He desires to come live within each of us through the Holy Spirit, taking up residence in our hearts. He wants us to experience first hand his glory, grace, and truth.

Almighty God, we acknowledge you are the Word. Before time began, you were there and that you have no end. We give thanks for the revealing of your divine Word shared with us. You sent your Son, becoming truly human, so your Word could dwell with us. We give you thanks for the work of your Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that dwelt in your Son also dwells in us. Please help us discover the fullness of your plan for each of us as we grow in our relationship. We ask this in the name of our intercessor, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Blessings!

Pastor Tim