Reflections on the Gospel of John
Dr. Ken Day, Bible Teacher
McDowell County
The Gospel of Saint John is one of the most beloved books of the Bible. My belief is that if God were to write a sole book referencing the Messiah, this would be the ideal one. Prior to my conversion on the fourth of July in 1995, I had partaken in the reading of a Gideon New Testament Bible. This reading was accompanied by a Booklet of John published by The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. These publications were instrumental in my surrendering to Christ. Excitement filled my soul while reading The Gospel of John, and the experience was quite moving. This Gospel spoke to me in a remarkable way, especially with the walk of life I was in at that time. My perusal of The Gospel of John ignited an unceasing love for the book, and for that, I am forever grateful.
The book of John tells us about Jesus coming in the form of man to reveal God the Father to mankind. This symbolic moment gives us the keys to abundant life here on Earth (John 10:10), and eternal life with God the Father (John 20:31). It shows us the pathway (John 10:9) and entry point, for those who are called to seek their meaningful purpose in this world and beyond. This marvelous book can be read perpetually, as it is filled to the brim with good news for the believer seeking the renewal of life. This being said, let us now reason together, in the viewing of the introduction of John.
John 1:1-5 King James Version (KJV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Meditation on these scriptures has brought about the question of who is speaking and who is the speaking in reference to. Certainly, we know John the Apostle, the one who Jesus loved (John 13:23) is the writer. The Holy Spirit supernaturally inspired each and every word in the treasured Gospel (2 Timothy 3: 16-17). The one in which he is speaking to in a referential manner, he calls The Word. The Word simply is the second person of God’s Holy Trinity, Jesus. This Word came about in the beginning and made everything. He is God himself. God is telling us, along with the entirety of the world, that Jesus was with God from the start, and that Jesus was the creator of all things. The Word is The Word of God; He is Lord and Jehovah which is the holiest of names. Let it be put simply that he is the Personal Word. God who was born of a virgin, descended to Earth with the purpose to empty himself outward in the form of man (Isaiah 7:14, Philippians 2: 6-7).
Why did the Personal Word, God himself come into the world? Verse 3 tells us that his purpose for coming is because he is life. What is this life that The Word wishes to reveal to us? God is telling us that he is the creator of all life in the universe and that the very life we are privileged to live is because of him. He is our creator and provider. His very essence is life in this world, and the next world after death.
How do we know that the previous statement is truthful? Verse 4 reveals to us the key to know this life, and whether he is who John the writer says he is. John calls him the light of men; a light that outshines any darkness. To those who are reading this article and reading these presented scriptures; God’s word declares to you, that The Word shines through any darkness present in your heart to allow you the vision of who The Word truly is.
Darkness is consumed with all evil and ungodly things in which the world possesses. This darkness displays a stronghold on all who are enthralled with their evil deeds and refuse to come to this holy light. John 3:19 states “And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil”. My friends, may the vision be clear to you today as it was for me. I lived a life filled with darkness until July 4th, 1995, perhaps some of you are unknowingly doing the same today. Evil deeds were an enjoyment in my previous life, and the thought of God examining my life was quite a deterring factor prior to my conversion. Thanks be to God that one day, I came to the light and did not look back. The bible says in 1 John 5:11, “And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his son”.
Push aside any worries you might possess my friends and ask yourself if you have allowed God to examine your life. I would find it remarkable that all viewers of this meditation have allowed The Word to examine their life, and completely allow the light of Jesus’ revelation to overpower the darkness. If you are a disciple of Jesus, give thanks to God for the day of your salvation. If not, allow God to shine His marvelous light on any darkness in your life. Now is the day of your salvation. One might find themselves asking, “What must I do to receive this life that has been spoken of?”. The answer is found in John 8:12 that shares with us “I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”. Simply pray to God that you want the light of Jesus to penetrate your life to obtain the key to eternal life. Ask God to help you turn from your lifestyle of darkness and believe in Jesus for your salvation. If you have prayed this prayer, I would love to know about the change of your eternal destiny. You can email me at Kenneth.Day.fb.@gmail.com
Ken Day is an Agency Manager with Farm Bureau Insurance in McDowell County, and an Elder at Victory Church in Morganton.
