Today’s Devotional Theme Three Beginnings
Daily ScriptureJohn 1:1, 14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Encouragement
I hate having events I look forward to come to an end. We used to enjoy going down to the country, to my wife’s parents’ trailer and sharing a good meal, fellowship, and when the weather was warm, sitting outdoors and soaking in the whippoorwill’s soft, plaintive voice or the hummingbirds flitting to and from the feeder, their painted plumage flashing in the sunlight. With her mom and dad’s passing, the curtain fell on those good times. We don’t go there anymore. But with every end a new beginning arises. Now we bring our grandkids up for a visit or travel to spend a day or two with our son or daughter. The end of fun times is sad, but life brings new fun times to take their place, if not erase their memory.
Apply God’s Word
The very first verse of three Bible books – Genesis, Mark, and John – have “beginning” as their focus: the beginning of creation in Genesis, the beginning of Mark’s fast-paced gospel, and the Word in the beginning in John. God is the God of beginnings, not to mention middles and ends. Today’s verses form for me the most beautiful of scriptural beginnings. That Word, embodied in Jesus, wrapped Himself in flesh like yours and mine and came to earth. He created disciples, worked miracles, refuted the moss-backed Jewish leaders, and showed us how to live for God. His life on earth came to a sad end, but in its wake came the most wonderful beginning mankind has ever seen: our salvation and access to the Father for which Jesus’ resurrection and ascension paved the way.
Come into His Presence
Lord God, we know that this life You’ve given us is punctuated with sad endings. But we also recognize that You often send new and exciting beginnings our way. Help us not to be apprehensive when You open new chapters in our lives. Encourage us to plunge into those beginnings with gusto! In Jesus’ name, amen.
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