There's Always More

[HKHaugan]

The Word 7

As mentioned before when we look at John 1:1-5 we see a totally different approach to how Jesus is introduced as Lord and Savior. In these verses we see Him as the Word, a divine message from a divine mind given in a divine mode. It carries a threefold impress to touch our being a threefold image of God. Most people usually hear this and move on quickly taking for granted that it was understood.

But there is more. If you read John 1:1-5 carefully you will ask just what it really means, meditate on it and be struck by what it tells you personally.

To start with, in vs.1 Jesus is the Word from the beginning which means He was there before there was a beginning. It still rings with the first words of Genesis. But here Jesus is the eternal Son of God. In the same verse it says He was with God. That is He was with the Father.

But there is more. In fact He was God and vs. 2 says He was with God in the beginning. So this amazing statement that Jesus is God and that the Father is God means that God is One and in this passage so far two individual and unique persons.

But there is more. Vs.3 indicates that it was through the Son that all things came into being. He was the agent and the funnel of all Creation. That is an astounding concept since that makes everything visible and invisible understood only through the Son.

But there is more. In vs.4 something new is added. It says “In Him was life and that life was the light of men.” Therein is God the Holy Spirit, the third eternal Person of the Trinity, the Lord of life and He is the light specifically for mankind’s recovery.

But there is more. Vs.5 brings in a wholly new dimension, insight. With insight you gain new perception. There really is an invisible divide between light and darkness. You can discern the difference even on the most subtle level. You perceive them within. The Holy Spirit is the life and light Jesus brings. Spiritual darkness is everything that denies Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Scripture.

But there is more. As you probe these first verses in John’s Gospel you find that revelation is the Holy Spirit at work as you allow Him to extend understanding of any passage to you. It is the Holy Spirit who is always there helping you adjust your mind, heart and spirit to Jesus as you read Scripture. You go from self into Jesus who takes you from self to others and from self into the world.

One way ‘the more’ comes is when you open the Old Testament and the Holy Spirit grants you a glorious array of thoughts that bring the understanding of Jesus more clearly into your personal life. I happened on this passage the other day:

(Psalm 18:30)
“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”

Note the Trinity in this Psalm:
“As for God, His way is perfect”---the Father.
Once you perceive that God is perfection you have to ask “Show me my imperfection that I may grow as you intended when you made me in your image.” Immediately I think of the Father’s voice saying, “This is my Son whom I love, listen to Him.”

Here comes the second statement that takes me right to Him:
“The Lord’s word is flawless”---the Son.
Since the Lord is the Word made flesh and His flawless words last forever I search through His teachings and I find my attitude is the first thing that needs adjusting. Attitude is a heart issue and the Scripture really does tell me about myself and how far my heart is from Him and how it can be deceitful above all things. But it also tells me about my mind and how influenced it is by a world of darkness controlled by the evil one always lurking in alleyways of the sinful selfishness of the moment.

Then this third statement bringing me inner security as I reach out to the Lord in repentance:
“He shields all who take refuge in Him”---the Holy Spirit.
I not only have a Savior, I have His Comforter, His Counselor, His insight, His light, the One who confronts my heart and mind and fills my spirit to shield me from the darkness of the evil one and his spirits as well as the consequences of my self-centered nature. I take refuge in His presence, His guidance and His reforming patient movement within.

So you see, there’s always more.