For Jan 5, 2014, we're examining the Gospel of John's birth narrative. It's a wonderful passage that refers back to Genesis (John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word...) The verses we're examining speak of John the Baptist as a sign post, pointing to Jesus Christ! The text says that John was sent by God to point to Jesus Christ. What's funny about that is that, SO ARE WE! If we take our real role seriously, we're not here to soak up food, drink and resources and then die. We're here to point to the life that is REAL life - found in the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
The gospel reading tells the sad tale that Jesus, even though he made everything and everyone, came to earth and was rejected by us and by his own people, the Jews. But, the good news, and there is always some very good news, is that God is proactive and always breaking in to our world with his grace. So, we see in verses 12 - 13, that we are spiritually born by God, not by our own decision or someone else's decision. God, over and over and over again is the actor and the Savior! Thanks be to Almighty God!
I'm also very struck by the verse 16 which in the Greek says, ".... we have all received grace upon grace." In other words, the radical proactive saving, forgiving, enabling grace that God pours out just keeps coming. It's like the widow's oil or the manna from heaven. It just keeps coming from God, sustaining us and blessing us! What a wonderful, loving, grace-filled God we serve.
When even a little of this sinks in, our only natural response is to fall on our knees in worship, thankfulness and adoration. Let's share some of that in this New Year!
