May 12, 2004

THE WORD OF LIFE

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life" (1 John 1:1, NIV).

In his second portrayal of Jesus as the Word, the apostle John adds a new and meaningful dimension. He depicts his wonderful Lord as the "Word of life." This title focuses on the incarnate Son of God during His ministry on earth. While on earth, Christ was the active, life-giving Word. His entire ministry was characterized by healing, liberation, and life-giving. Jesus came as God's final word to the world. He was the perfect demonstration and declaration of the nature, will, and character of God (see John 14:9). As the Word of life, Jesus came to exhibit God at close range to humanity. Men and women got a close-up view of God through the One who became "flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14, NIV). He also came to bring "life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1:10, NIV).

The reality of the Word of life is underscored by John's appeal to the three senses. Numerous eyewitnesses had seen, heard, and touched the Word of life. He is real. He is indeed the Christ of history who was seen, heard, and touched. He is the one who died on the cross, rose from the dead, was seen by many, and ascended into glory as Lord of all.

As the Word of life, Jesus lived among men and suffered with and for them. Everything Jesus did was life-giving and hope-generating. The Word of life was a friend and counselor, a teacher and preacher of glad tidings, a healer and life restorer, and the Saviour of the world. As the Word of life, "He came to be the gospel of salvation to the world."--Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 385.

My Prayer Today: Lord, renew Your residence in my heart today so that I may experience the fullness of Your life. Amen.