IN THE FLESH

via TJC

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

—John 1:14

John is an old friend of mine. At least, I feel that way. Mind you, I’m about as close to being a Bible scholar as I am to being an astronaut. However, John’s words about Jesus seem different to me and, apparently, to many who read them. His gospel isn’t a summary like the other three. It’s more focused on what Jesus says… and it’s not necessarily in chronological order. It’s “stickier”... more human. Yet John is also the one who paints a clearer portrait of Jesus as Lord, Master… God.

My (pastor) grandfather had saved for most of his adult life to take a trip to the Holy Land. He and his lifelong pastor friend made the journey in the early 1970s as I remember. Grandad told (and retold) a story that stuck with me to this day about their experience at the garden tomb which is assumed by many to be the actual tomb of Christ. His friend was the first to enter that tomb, and before he could reach the entrance himself, Grandad looked up and saw the tear stained face of his old friend, saying “Phillip, He’s not here. He is risen!”

They stood for a moment and rejoiced openly, much to the chagrin of some in the tour group. Maybe it wasn’t real to them… but it was to those two old country preachers. Jesus was there just like He is with everyone who truly believes… every day.

Jesus really is who they say He is. He really did what they say He did. Sometimes in all the craziness, even in a message to Kingdom Men, that bears repeating. John did a masterful job doing just that.

DAILY BATTLE ORDER

Take a moment to remember how much Jesus loves us. What He stepped away from to save us. How He took on a body of flesh and blood to pay for the mess we made… then worship Him accordingly.