Let's take a closer look at the verse I introduced in Part 5, John 1:1. After all, it's rich! It's one of those verses that at different stages of our Christian growth we say, "Oh, I've seen that verse before," and then later, "Oh wow, I didn't see that in the verse before." It's as if John took to heart the saying, "Life is short; eat dessert first." ;-)
I love a good classical concert, especially featuring a Mozart concerto. But take any concert as an example, preferably one you love. See yourself at the venue. Now picture the interlude, or intermission. A short span of time to take it all in. I've noticed most people at a concert will either calmly head straight to the restroom, stand on one of two long lines to buy a severely overpriced snack, or they will just move around a little near their seats, perhaps even stretch nonchalantly.
While the rest of the crowd is preoccupied, however, we're going to take a special detour. That's right, we're going backstage to meet the performers, producers, assistants, and stagehands. We'll have a chance to see what makes this production possible, its planning and execution, the entirety of which started with a wonderful thought, sprinkled generously with warm motivation.
That's what we have in John 1:1. The start of something glorious. Mention of its intention all along. A plan and its execution. The Person with an eternal plan, God, and the Person who would gladly execute it, the Word. Father and Son. Inseparable. Unconquerable. Let's look for the gem's sparkle in that verse. If you don't see it, I would encourage you to keep looking. It's there!
In Part 5, I said that God and the Word are the same thing. I need to make a theological distinction here. (Did I lose you at "theological distinction?" Then try "glorious insight!") The "thing" that is the same is their divine nature. As we venture through Scripture in these devotions, I will elaborate on that point. What's different is the Word is Jesus Christ Himself, and yes, He is with God and is God. But as a Person, He is the Son, not the Father. How can we be sure? Scripture! A few verses down we read this...
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)
Pretty clear, huh? So, where do we get that Jesus and the Father are of the same divine nature? A good sermon? Well, not always. In fact, not commonly. Scripture, of course, is where we'll find the definition of that unity. (Here's a few samples if you'd like to peek ahead: John 14:8-11, Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:15,19, John 10:37-38, et al.)
What would make the sermon good is if it were based entirely on Scripture. Sermons should be Scripture explained. Otherwise, what sermon is right? The one from a dynamic and engaging speaker? A convincing televangelist? A street preacher? The church to which your family has always attended? Which sermon can you believe? What part(s) of the sermon are the truth God is speaking? Everything needs to come back to Scripture, the word of God, the Word and God.
This verse, John 1:1, explained with Scripture is a good example of how these "Why Scripture?" lessons can be put to use. The verse has something to teach us beyond the surface which is not always taught in church, because churches don't always teach Scripture, or from Scripture without diluting if or mixing it in with human wisdom.
Some denominations, for example, don't even tie verse 1 with verse 14 as shown above. Those sermons, therefore, get confusing as they try to make sense of these verses separately.
But Scripture is pretty clear when you just let it say what it says. When in doubt, trust Scripture. It is the word of God. Hey! Even when not in doubt, trust Scripture! The Father's eternal plan and the Persons of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will become clear. You, too, can rightly divide the word of truth, not being tossed to and fro by every wave of doctrine, and grow into the fullness of Him who is head, into Christ. :-)
Now, back to the main attraction! Stay tuned for Why Scripture? Part 7.
A final word...
Make your life a mission - not an intermission.
~~Arnold H. Glasow
(Source: www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/arnoldhgl144778.html#st3Rg2EpW0PmUgzi.99)
Make your mission to be transformed by His mission!
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