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
Starting with Christ is a radical "First"; and a completely different experience for everybody, I believe and it's not necessarily easy either. Anybody who says it is must be completely deluded. I personally thing it's a hard life but a good one.
ReplyDeleteIn your workplace or any scene at all and you are known as a Christian, then all eyes will be on you looking for evidence and nothing will be said until you fail.
Those that don't know Jesus love the word "hypocrite" and the chance to use it; if somebody falls on a life predicament and if they like what they see in your life then you will be sought out, because they know that nobody else can help them. So there lies a certain responsibility.
Of course this doesn't mean we can live above condemnation because we can't. Of course I've tried in my early days because I thought that was the deal and I didn't know any better.
You see I didn't understand anything about Jesus and made a lot of mistakes as a result and still do. I'm just grateful for people who've helped me gain understanding, knowledge I've gained just from the Bible. The Gospels in particular come to mind particularly Luke which is my favourite.
I'm so glad of Revelation 3: 20 and that sounds like a good starting point to me.
Well that's how its been for me anyway.
Regards Warren.
Warren,
DeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting. You are correct; starting with Christ is a radical "First" and is different for each person. There's a cost to saying yes to Jesus.
It's humbling to live in this world as a Christian...so many times we fail to be good witnesses (at least I do). Forgiveness is an amazing and humbling thing.
Revelation 3:20 is a good starting point!
Blessings to you,
Kim
New beginnings are exciting! I like that you asked what can we begin this year which will have a lasting impact on us and those around us - what can we do to further the Kingdom? Great things to ponder on and pray about, Kim!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
Martha,
DeleteThank you for stopping by and sharing. Furthering the Kingdom is so important, yet neglected, at times. May we all go out and make disciples this year!
Blessings to you, too, Martha!