The Word

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God^. God created everything through him and nothing was created except through him^. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
 - John 1:1-5

Ever wonder why Jesus is called 'the Word' in the book of John? Why doesn't it say, 'In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God...' and so forth? Scripture doesn't explain why, but it is possibly referring to the personification of Old Testament scriptures. Years of promises and prophesies all written and spoken, passed down from generation to generation. The Old Testament word made into human flesh. The promise of a Savior once hoped for, now revealed.

I love how John includes Jesus' hand in creation and reminds us of His authority throughout history. He isn't a new character introduced in the New Testament, but rather he was a part of the 'us' in Genesis when God the Father said, "Let us make man in our image." (Genesis 1:26a) 'The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.' In other words, in the beginning Jesus gave life to all of creation. Once in light, then in darkness, his earthly life, death and resurrection brought forth light to restore and redeem his creation.

 
From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God^, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. 

- John 1:16-18

   

The Old Testament is filled with Law, but also promise of redemption. Jesus not only fulfilled the Law, but freed us from it. Believers were once constantly reminded of their inability to please God. We are blessed to be reminded that through Jesus, we have God's unfailing love and faithfulness.

'The unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart.' Just as Jesus is near to the Father's heart, we are near to Jesus' heart. In John 15:9-11, He says:

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!"

May your joy overflow this week.