But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13
We receive the right and privilege to become children of God through faith in Christ Jesus (cf. Gal. 3:26ff.), but even that faith by which we receive and take hold of Christ and the blessings of forgiveness and life eternal He won for us is not of our will or choosing. It is a rebirth worked in us by God the Holy Spirit through hearing the Gospel message and being baptized in Jesus’ name.
Thank You, O gracious God, for making me Your child through faith in Jesus Christ, Your Son and my Savior. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:9-11
It is a sad truth that Jesus made the world and gives life to all people and yet they do know Him or trust in Him as their God and Life-giver! Even His own people — including the religious leaders of Israel — did not accept Him as the Son of God and their Messiah and Savior! What about you, today?
Dear Lord Jesus, grant that I hear Your Word and believe that You have created me and given me life. You are the true Light. You reveal to me my utter sinfulness and Your judgment against sin, and You reveal to me that there is forgiveness and life through faith in Your name. Grant that I repent of my sinful ways and trust in You as my Savior. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. John 1:6-8
John the Baptist came to point people to the One who is the Light and Life of the world that all might believe in Christ Jesus. Note that John was not the Light but was sent to tell people of the Light. In the same way, pastors and churches are not the Light but are to point people to Jesus Christ, the Light who gives life to the world.
O Jesus Christ, my Life and the only Light of the world, grant that I hear Your Word and look to You and Your cross in faith for pardon, forgiveness and life eternal. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5
Now, since the fall into sin, Christ Jesus and His saving truth shine in this dark and sinful world but people cannot understand and grasp God’s truth and the life Christ offers and gives.
Grant us Your Holy Spirit, Lord, that we might see and take hold of the truth of Your Word and trust in Christ Jesus our Savior. In His name, we pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4
It was the eternal Son of God who gave to man life — both physical and spiritual. He created us in the image of God. And, as He created us, we knew God and His will, loved Him, trusted Him, and sought to honor Him in all our thoughts, desires, words, and actions.
We thank You, dear Jesus, for creating us and giving us life in fellowship with You. Restore us to that fellowship through faith in You and Your cross. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]