John 1:1-3 #SeasonOfLight

Every January 1st, New Year’s Day, we have the opportunity to hope again, dream again, and decide to start over again. Many people will rekindle their desire to “read my Bible more” and start at the beginning with Genesis Chapter 1.

That’s not a bad idea, so let’s start at the beginning as we launch this “Season of Light” series. 

Observe the similarities of the opening lines from Genesis 1 with John 1, which “The Voice” translation describes as a “deliberate echo of the creation story in Genesis.”

First, read Genesis 1:1-5

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. 

Now, look at John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5

Consider This

In the very first sentence of both books, the unique narrative of the Judeo-Christian faith is laid out. Throughout the story of God, the Scriptures are giving us a world-view, a meta-narrative, a way of explaining who God is, what He is like, the way the world works, and the meaning of life and history.

We’ll see several claims that lay the foundation for everything that is to come.

First, everything about the universe begins with God. God is recognized exclusively as the Creator.

Second, the Voice of God speaks and worlds are formed Ex nihilo (Latin) “out of nothing”.  Jesus is revealed as the Word, the Voice of God, “without him nothing was made that has been made”.

Third,  as his first act of creation God says “Let there be light” and there was light.  The life of Jesus is the Light of the world, in Him there is no darkness at all.

Finally, the presence of light is good. The darkness can not overcome the light.

What it Means

So the idea of “light” seems prominent. Light is essential. Establishing light is the first order of business.

I don’t know about you, but I need more “light” in my life. And I need less darkness. That would be good, very good indeed.

Prayer:

Lord God who created the heavens and the earth,  I ask and pray that the light of your love will fill my spirit. Free my soul from the dark desires that belong to darkness. Jesus, you are the life and the light of the whole world.  I trust You as my savior and call upon your name to deliver me from darkness, and fill me with your goodness and light. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

About Season Of Light

SEASON Blog Title

I’ll be writing a devotional series called “Season of Light” (#SeasonOfLife) during the 40 day season of Epiphany (from January 6 – February 10). We’ll explore the major biblical themes of the season including the beginning of Jesus ministry, and I’ll comment as the Holy Spirit inspires. All for the purpose of growing in our relationship with the Lord.

Often I’ll be inspired by a scripture from the Daily Audio Bible readings and use that as a writing prompt. Here’s the DAB readings for January 1:

Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalms 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6