In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The
same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
(John 1:1-5 KJV)
The beginning of a new year seems to be an appropriate time
to consider some firsts, some beginnings in the Bible and in the life of
Jesus.
Our lives are full of beginnings—first tooth, first steps,
the first day of school, or the first day on a new job. The list is endless. What are some firsts you’ve experienced
throughout your life? What are some
firsts for this year?
Likewise, in the Bible there are many firsts. For example, there is the creation story in
the first two chapters of Genesis; Israel ’s first king—Saul (1
Samuel). In addition, there is the
beginning of Jesus’ life on earth (see Matt. 1:18-2:23 see here; Luke 2:1-52 see here) and the
beginnings of His earthly ministry (see Matt. 3:1-4:25 see here; Mark 1:1-13 see here; John
1:15-5:15 http://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/john/passage.aspx?q=john+1:15-51;john+2:1-25;john+3:1-36;john+4:1-54;john+5:1-15).
What is it that makes beginnings so special? Could it be the potential of things to
come? There seems to be a freshness to
beginnings as well. What can you begin
this year that will have a lasting impact on you and those around you? What about reading the Bible from cover to
cover (a variety of plans exist)? You’ll
discover Jesus revealed from Genesis to Revelation. It’s an experience you won’t regret; it gets
better every time you read it.
Dear Lord, we lift up holy hands to You in prayer and
praise. Guide us in our daily lives
throughout this year. Help us to reflect
Your light in this dark world—we pray for strength. Guide us to fresh new revelations of
You. Grant us ministry opportunities
that will allow us to share our gifts with Your people and a watching and
waiting world. Thank You for Jesus who
is the Light and the Word, who has been since the beginning. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
From my heart to yours,
Kim
