Together in Christ: 'Rooted in Relationship' — John 1:1, 4

Thursday, January 5, 2023

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

. . .

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.

— John 1:1, 4 NLT

Key Thought

Words can be little more than sounds we make for ourselves and names we give to things we want to remember. These words are rhemata in the language of our Bibles. [1] While each rhema is important, words ultimately are rooted in relationships where we want to exchange more than mere sounds and syllables. We want to communicate messages, emotions, and life. These words are logos [2] in the language of our Bibles. The message behind logos is what brings light and life into our world as we speak with each other or receive God's message.

We shouldn't be surprised that God, who spoke the world into existence with His words (rhemata), chose to save the world wrecked by human sin and rebellion by His Word Logos, Jesus. Jesus is God's clearest message about Himself as He revealed His love for us and His desire to be in a meaningful and loving relationship with us (John 1:14-18). You see, God wants our primary relationship to be with Him. He wants us to understand Him through his ultimate message, Jesus. More than rhema, God wants to speak Jesus to us. Our life as God's children is more than hearing and obeying; it's also experiencing the love and light God longs to bring us in, Jesus. Jesus communicates that God would not let anything stand in the way of being in a loving relationship with us, [3] and that changes everything about our words, our relationships, and our sense of identity.

[1] rhema for the singular and rhemata the plural are the New Testament Greek way to talk about words.
[2] logos and the plural logoi refer to the message of words — their depth of meaning, richness in emotion, and innate power.
[3] Romans 5:5-11 and 1 John 4:7-12 help us understand what God's ultimate Word says to us: "I am willing to empty heaven of a living part of Myself to bring you back into My family because I love you so dearly!" That love behind God's message to us should forever change how we view other followers of Jesus, just as it reminds us how precious we are to the Father!

Today's Prayer

O, Father, thank you for your love which is too deep for mere words (rhema) to capture. Thank you for speaking your love, life, and light into my life through Your Word (Logos), Jesus. When I begin to imagine all that Jesus becoming flesh meant for Your relationship as Father, Son, and Spirit, I am shocked and humbled. I do not understand how or why You, as the Sovereign and Immortal God, would choose to become clothed in mortal flesh like I am to show me Your love.* All I know to do is to say thank you and treat Your children whom You love so dearly, with greater respect and kindness. Forgive me for the times that I have not shown my brothers and sisters in Christ the grace you have shown me. I am asking the Holy Spirit to help me be more loving in the future.^ In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

* Philippians 2:5-11.
^ Romans 5:5.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 14:15, 19-21, 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:11
  • Philippians 2:5-11

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Illustration

Illustration of John 1:1, 4 NLT — In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.

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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