John 1:14
Thoughts from Brian Cook
Dive Deeper
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
Behind the Scenes
The Unexpected Messiah:
Heads in their hands, knees on the ground, the Jewish people of Palestine were crying out for a savior and were blessed with an unexpected Messiah. Some were whole heartedly pleading for a warrior to conquer the Roman empire, drive away their oppressors, and build a fortress of protection. Some were begging for a king, covered in wealth and power, demanding obedience from all. They remembered the glorious days of King David, and expected nothing less. While Jesus is an all-powerful king, the conquering warrior, and worthy of all earth’s praise, He chose to sacrifice all of His status and arrived as a vulnerable and humble baby.
As I read today’s scripture, I am in shock at the two opposing images of the savior that was expected and the savior we desperately needed. We want a savior that will knock down the walls set before us, to restore the glory that we once felt was ours, and to protect us from those that oppose us. God could see farther than the problems directly facing us.
Jesus came to break down everything that separates people from God, not just the obstacles directly in front of us. Jesus came as a strong warrior to conquer death, not just the Roman empire. Jesus came to show the glory of God showcasing His power to forgive, not just the power to rule.
Jesus came to love the people of this earth, dwelling among us in humility and grace. He came to speak truth about how we can love each other, the way that He first loved us. He came to sacrifice Himself, offering us full forgiveness, and an invitation to never be separated from God again.
Make it Real
What would my life look like if I put down my sword and entered into someone else’s space with humility and sacrifice?
As a newly married couple facing their first big career move, I have felt firsthand the desires for a conquering king. I have wanted a savior to conquer the mountains of paperwork and to punish the people who didn’t do their job. I have begged for someone so powerful that every person in our way would be forced to obey them. I’ve dreamed of someone with more power and more honor than we can fathom to come and save me from this frustration. But instead, this verse reminds me that God chose to send His glorious son in grace and truth. Jesus’ unfailing love and faithfulness showed up in humility and sacrifice, rather than with a sword on a white horse.
In the peak of my frustrations, I was invited by a dear friend to serve. I hesitantly agreed, explaining that my life feels like a mess but I can try to make it. I am so thankful that I did. I was so blessed by the opportunity to finally focus on giving to someone else, rather than the uncertainties of my own life.
I was blessed by the friendships that continued to grow and connections that continued to form. I was blessed with the peace of knowing that while my current circumstances may not have changed, my heart has. That while Jesus has all the power in the world, He gifted us with the example of love and sacrifice. By changing our perspective towards being more like Him and serving others, my problems seemed just a little smaller standing in front of me.
End in Prayer
Rebecca Dyer
ACF Devo Team
God thank you for sending your Son, full of grace and truth, to live among us. Thank you for His glorious sacrifice, for your forgiveness, and for the invitation into your family. Please help us to take a break from fighting our own battles so we can see who you are calling us to serve. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.