Welcome, my real-life, flesh-and-blood friends! It’s Day 1, Chapter 1 in our virtual study of John’s Gospel. I’m so glad you are joining me here in cyberworld—although, I really wish we were meeting face-to-face somewhere . . . let’s say Boxcar Coffee Roasters, here in Boulder, Colorado. Let me know if you can make that happen.
Until then, we can cozy up right here under this patch of sky. Why don’t I kick off the discussion for us? Chapter 1 is one of my all-time favorites—wow, there’s a lot happening. But in this read, I was overwhelmed by verse 12 (NASB):
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”
Because of Jesus, I have been given the right—the right!!—to be called a child of God. Of all the power plays in our world today—who has what right to do XYZ—this is the only claim that matters for eternity. Unless Jesus grants the right to be God’s child, all my other claims in this life will eventually turn up void. I love how this verse reads in The Message:
“But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves.”
God is at work in me, His child, making me into my true self, my child-of-God self. I am so very grateful God is helping me become who I really am, the one He intended me to be before sin got in there.
All of this moved me to praise. I had a few moments in the quiet of the cool, sunny, mountain morning to thank God for claiming me and giving me the one right that matters. I am very grateful, and I also want to learn to walk in the power of that God-given right so I will honor Him, say no to sin, trust Him, proclaim His goodness, and more.
And now it’s your turn! What has God taught you today? I’d love to hear. Share in the comments if you like.
If you missed Day 1, no worries! Start with us tomorrow for Day 2, Chapter 2. All are welcome!
