Together in Christ: 'Creative Power' — John 1:1-3

Thursday, January 4, 2024

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
— John 1:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

Genesis 1 emphasizes that God spoke our world into existence. [1] John begins his gospel by introducing us to that creative the Word of God, Who is Jesus, the Son of God. [2] Jesus is God at work, creating through the power of saying and being the Word of God. The relationship of God as Father, Son, and Spirit shines forth with life-giving power as the world was created and shaped by God's powerful Word. Even now, the Son holds the world together as God's powerful Word. [3]

Jesus, as the Word of God, reminds us that God has made the impact of spoken words have power. In relationships with others, and especially as we are in a relationship with God, words can be comforting, healing, encouraging, motivating, blessing, affirming, and future-enabling in our relationships. Words can also be destructive. As we see in Creation, God intends for His Word and the words of His people to bring life, light, blessing, and goodness. God wants our words to be more than a collection of syllables and sounds with definitions. He wants our words to be shaped by Jesus, His ultimate Word. That means each word I speak today should reflect something of the creative power and grace of God's Word!

[1] "God said..." — Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 29.
[2] John 1:1-3, 14-18.
[3] See also parallel statements about the Son doing the work of creation — Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3.

Today's Prayer

Father, please forgive me for the times I used empty, valueless, or even damaging words. I invite the Holy Spirit to transform me to become more like Jesus, the ultimate Word. I ask that you use my words today, dear God, to be a blessing and create hope in the hearts to whom I speak today. In Jesus' name, I ask for this grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Genesis 1:1-31; Colossians 1:15-17
  • John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1:1-3

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Illustration

Illustration of John 1:1-3 NLT — In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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