In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.
John 1:1-3
Words. I love them. In fact, I make my living by them, choosing the just-right nouns, verbs, and adjectives (with proper syntax, diction, and grammar) to craft engaging narratives on behalf of my clients—from landscapers and lawyers to computer makers and chemical companies. Words allow for the expression of, well, anything and everything. In all languages, words let us share new (or renewed/recycled) ideas, emotions (good or bad), and perceptions. Understanding is almost impossible without words. Think about when a child begins speaking, and the immense parental relief that comes when said child can communicate his or her wants and needs. Words connect us to one another, creating bonds of community, friendship, love.
Words give body, so to speak, to invisible thoughts and concepts, making them real to others.
Have you ever considered how these basic language facts are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus? It’s so very cool! The Person of Jesus, in His incarnation as fully God and fully man, gave body to the invisible God, making Himself real to mankind by His own humanity (mind-blown emoji here). In his gospel, John said it straight up: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Apostle Paul, who wasn’t with the Lord during His earthly ministry, but encountered Him post-resurrection for a direction-changing confrontation, says it this way (italics mine):
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:15-17).
Since the creation of Adam and Eve, God has made Himself known to humanity. First and foremost, He reveals Himself through Creation itself (Romans 1:20)—the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). Just stand in awe of any sunrise or sunset. And until the first Christmas, God also revealed Himself to His people in several different ways, from dreams and visions to angels and the Angel of God (which are thought to be preincarnate appearances of Jesus, called Christophanies). Most importantly, all the Law and prophets point to Jesus—and Jesus Himself declared to be the fulfillment of these (Matthew 5:17). Jesus Christ, the Word, is the literal embodiment of God, second Person of the Trinity. The author of Hebrews crafted a beautiful summary:
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power Hebrews 1:1-3a.
Yes, Jesus is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13). He the expression of, well, everything. In all languages around the world. Understanding this world—its good, bad, ugly, and magnificent—is impossible without Him. Jesus is the only Way for us to connect with God, and He forges heart-knitted bonds between believers.
So, let me ask you this: Do you know this Word? Is Jesus the foundation of your life’s vocabulary? If not, pick up His dictionary—the Bible—and experience for yourself, from Genesis to Revelation, the Alpha and Omega.
Jesus, our limited minds cannot grasp Your nature and magnitude. But we can trust that You are who You say You are—the Word of God, the Alpha and Omega, Emmanuel. Thank you revealing Yourself to us.
encouraged by grace 