Listen to Devotion

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

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 1:9-14

Christ For Us

I can do it myself! We’ve all heard children adamantly state these words as they strive for independence. Most of the time, we encourage such independence and growth, but not always. Some things a young child is not ready to do on their own, such as crossing the street, lighting birthday candles, or staying home alone. It can end in disaster.

It does end in disaster when this attitude permeates our spiritual life. We think, “I don’t need help; I can do it on my own.” John was an eyewitness of this happening during Jesus’ ministry. He saw Jesus’ own people reject him and his message. Jesus wasn’t the savior they were expecting. They knew the laws given in the Old Testament and thought that they obeyed those laws. They thought that they could do it on their own and would have salvation without Jesus. Except, they didn’t.

And neither do we. As hard as we try, we do not lead the holy life God demands. Sin is such a part of each of us that we can’t even begin to earn our salvation. On our own, we would constantly be unsure. Did I do enough? Am I at least better than that person? Maybe if I just do a little more? We know the answers to these questions. I am not good enough. I cannot do it on my own. I need help.

And so, “the Word became flesh.” The true light came into the world to give his light to all. Jesus was born to live in this world and do what we cannot. He fulfilled the law perfectly and then credited that perfectness to us. Christ for us.

Now we are children of God. Through faith that the Holy Spirit put in our hearts, we have the rights of being in God’s family. We have the Father who cares for our earthly needs, providing food and shelter, protection, and love. The Father loved us so much he even gave his Son for us. In Jesus, we have a brother who never sinned and who loves us imperfect sinners. Jesus is our brother who substituted his life for ours so that we might receive his holiness. Jesus is our brother who conquered death securing our victory over death. Christ for us.

John exclaimed that “we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Through the eyes of faith, we see Jesus’ glory. We see it now as we read and learn and believe in the undeserved love Jesus shows us each day. We will see his glory when we are face to face with our Savior in heaven. Hold onto this truth: Christ for us.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are the light of the world! Help me always remember how much I need you. Keep me strong in the faith as I await the day I will see you face to face. Amen.

A Hymn to Ponder:

Read through and ponder the words in the hymn In Christ Alone (Christian Worship 510).