John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”
The parallel between the beginning of John’s gospel and the book of Genesis are striking. They both start with the same three words and each give us a glimpse into the creation story.
While the emphasis in Genesis is the creation of the worlds, the constellations, wildlife and mankind, John’s emphasis is more narrow. His focus is on His Master, His Lord, His Savior. If you want to know how Genesis got here look no further than verse 3: “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Pretty direct and forthright. And Who is this Creator? John calls Him the “Word.” Not the phrase; not the sentence; not the paragraph…just the WORD.
In Matthew chapter 8 there are two stories that highlight the power of the Word. A centurion comes to Jesus (the WORD) and asks Him to heal his servant who is paralyzed and tormented. Jesus responds that He is willing to come and heal the servant. The centurion then says to Jesus in verse 8, “…only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” Just a word…
Later in the chapter Jesus comes into the country of the Gergesenes (Gadaraenes) and He is met my two men who are demon possessed. The demons know their time has come and they beg Jesus to permit them to leave the men and go into a nearby heard of swine. Jesus says, “Go.” Just a word…
I hope you are continuing in your One Year Bible reading. My desire for you is because it is more than just words on a page; it is the power of God. And I’m hoping that as you read it and as you drink it and as you meditate on it that whenever you find yourself in need you will be able to extract from the scriptures exactly what you need for the day. Not a book, not a chapter, not a verse…just a WORD.