Bible Pathway - Nov. 1, 2011

Read John 1

Highlights:

The One True God who is Jesus Christ in His Deity, the Living Word, the Word of God, the only Virgin-born Son of God (John 1:1-5,14,34,48-51; 2:1-11), who said: I am The Way (for anyone to get to heaven — 3:1-18) . . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (14:6).

The Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the preexistent, Eternal Word who Himself became a Man. In the beginning was the Word (as recorded in Genesis), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word was made flesh (John 1:1,14). Because of this, the Holy Spirit led John to recognize Jesus as God, that all things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (1:3). And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good (Gen. 1:31).

John portrays Jesus as the Son of God, the Creator of all things, and the Perfecter of our lives. But He was also known as a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (Is. 53:3). He came unto His own, and His own received Him not (John 1:11). In fact, when Jesus spoke of Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy, worshipers in His hometown seized Him, forced Him out of the synagogue, and attempted to kill Him (Luke 4:29). Even His friends (literally those near Him, which would include family) said of Him: He is beside Himself (Mark 3:21). Judas, one of the chosen twelve, betrayed Him (John 18:2-3). And His own people, the Israelites, joined with the Romans and nailed Him to a cross (Mark 14:53; 15:25; Luke 23:1,13,24-25; John 18:12-13).

None of us escape sorrows during our lifetime. So, as we follow in the footsteps of our Savior, we should expect that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (II Tim. 3:12). But, it is also written: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us (2:12). If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy (blessed) are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled (I Pet. 3:14). If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy (blessed) are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. . . . Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (4:14,19).

We have the utmost confidence that our Savior and Creator never makes a mistake. Regardless of our suffering, sorrows, or tragedies, we can be sure that all things (no exceptions) work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28).

P.S. If you think there is an exception, please read 8:35-39.

Thought for Today:

For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible . . . all things were created by Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16).

Cross References:

For John 1:23: See Is. 40:3; Mal. 3:1. John 2:17: See Ps. 69:9.

Word Studies:

1:5 the darkness comprehended it not,  did not take it in; the unbelieving world cannot see its need for a Savior; 1:39 tenth hour, 4 p.m. by Jewish time, two hours before evening.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts sponsored by Gloria Schmidt • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Rep. Darrell Issa (CA) • Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious freedom • 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Seek God as more important than food to satisfy your hunger (Prov. 3:13-18).

NOTE: We list the President, Vice President, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Members, Senators, Representatives, and Governors on their birthdays. Because we publish in advance our list may not reflect the results of the most recent elections.

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:5