January 2, 2023
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…” John 1:1 (NASB)
I remember years ago speaking to someone who knew me from my childhood. They commented on some of the words they witnessed when I was a child. Don’t you just love those people? I told them I couldn’t remember saying it. They said, “I remember it like it was yesterday.” I didn’t… Yet, there are times when I think about things and words which come back as fresh as the day they occurred. Words testify. Strange how life and our memories work isn’t it? Maybe the thought I couldn’t remember, I don’t want to remember deep down. Maybe it was convenient memory.
The term John uses here in this verse, “the Word was with God,” is one of the titles of our Lord and Savior and synonymous for Jesus Christ’ name. This term is only found only in the writings of John. Note how John doesn’t say “that Word,” or “this Word,” which would indicate he was talking about something other than Jesus. He is The Word of God. “This Word was from the beginning. He was in perfect harmony and fellowship with the Father and Holy Spirit before the beginning began. He testifies as a witness to history. He, God, and the Holy Spirit are the only ones who really know what happened on Day One. He merely chose men to record His witness to all the events which unfolded by the speaking of His Word. Then He came to earth with a purpose to share God’s plan for the redemption of man, and to die on a cruel cross for a crime He never committed. The Word gave mankind a plan for forgiveness with God.
When I read my Bible, I often think about how amazing it is that God can remember everything He has ever seen. Triune God never had a brain relapse. He also remembers everything, except for the Christian’s confessed, cleansed, and forgiven sins. Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And I will remember their sins no more”[1] (Isa. 43:25, Heb. 10:17, 1 John 1:9, Jeremiah 31:34, Psalm 103:12, Acts 3:19, etc.). What a great gift He gives to the Christian life. We should bow down and thank Him each time He chooses to forgive us.
Today, don’t let your past words be a testimony of your life. Concentrate on the Word and allow Him to lead you into a great new life. Remember, the Word is also a witness to our everyday actions and words. Guard your words carefully.
[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Heb 8:12.