As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 18 of Chapter One. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John writes:
“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.”
John 1: 18
Until the time of Christ, God had not shown Himself clearly to man. He obviously has His reasons, and we can debate what they are, but though He had not shown Himself visibly, He did, and does, communicate with man. In the past, He spoke to chosen ones, such as Abraham, or Moses, or Samuel, or Elijah, or Isaiah, or David, or the many other Prophets whom He called for a particular task, or to deliver His message to His Children. But, because of His love and concern for His children, and the way they were hurting themselves through unbelief, God sent His Son, who is One with Him, to not just tell us but ‘show’ us His love and concern. Jesus came to make Him known, and to open the door to form a relationship with Him, and to become One with Him.
The Word says God is Love. (1 John 4:8) The Holy Spirit spoke the following words through Paul describing what that means, and what Love is. He said,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7) This is Jesus personified.
Christ Jesus came to make our Abba Father known – known for who He is in truth. Jesus came to live a life of Love – perfect love – to show us how we are loved. He modeled Love before our eyes. Jesus allowed Himself to be the perfect sacrifice to fulfill the old law, and to make His blood the seal of the new Covenant of Grace and Love. Father called us out of fear to a new relationship of love. The Holy Spirit spoke through John saying, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.” (1 John 4:18) The old law had made His children afraid of doing something wrong, and bringing punishment upon themselves. Jesus came to change that perception, and to show what Grace and God’s Love really looked like.
He called us to live in a kingdom of love He had brought to earth through Himself, and in the Holy Spirit, by the will of the Father.
May we open our hearts and minds; our body, soul, and spirit, to the love God wants to lavish upon us. Merry Christmas, God’s Beloveds.
Poppa B.
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line.