1 John 1: 1-4
1What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life–
2and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us–
3what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
4These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.
John’s introduction, to me, is a very good explanation of God. Everything around us, what we see, smell, touch, hear, etc. is of God and reminiscent of the Word of Love, meaning Christ. the next sentence lays out God Incarnate – Jesus Christ was manifested and he explains that this is what he (John) and other believers testify to, knowing Christ personally and believing in God’s Sovereignty. I also appreciate John’s statement so that our joy may be made complete.
This can imply a few things:
The fulfillment of their purpose. By witnessing and explaining the gospel, his mission will be fulfilled.
The salvation of unbelievers. It is with great joy we welcome new believers into the kingdom 🙂 I think back to the story of the prodigal son and how happy his father was that he returned, regardless of why he had left. This is the joy and love Christ shows for us when we return to Him, and he urges us to do the same.
Putting himself in a place of blessing. The bible tells us over and over that as we align our wills with God, He will continue to bless us. Not to confuse this with salvation by deeds, rather that we live blessed lives when we live according to God’s will.
I feel this is a great and simple explanation of God’s wonder and how we fall into His plan. I look forward to examining this letter deeper as I’ve found that it compares the dark with the light. I truly believe that God meets us where we are and rises us up from the dead into His light, His Way, His Life.
Where are you today and are you willing to let God meet you there?
