Share Light: In the Darkness a Light Shines預覽

SHARE LIGHT: Jesus Reveals Himself to Us

Day One

Introduction

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-4

One way to look at the Bible is to see it as a collection of many books written by many authors. This is true, but it certainly isn’t the full story. The Bible, in fact, is a library of books with one central theme, telling the story of God’s plan of salvation for humanity. It can be said that the person of Jesus is revealed in each book. The great Augustine of Hippo said, “The New Testament is hidden in the Old and the Old is made manifest in the New.”

One of my favorite books in the Bible is the Gospel of John. I especially love the statements that Jesus makes about himself throughout the Gospel. These statements begin with the words, “I am.” Jesus makes these declarations during specific events or in conversation with various people. His declarations help to reveal his true identity to the audiences in those situations as well as guide our understanding even today. This eight-day reading plan takes a close look at Jesus’s declarations in order to see how God is continually at work, revealing his purpose and plan for humanity’s salvation from the beginning to the end of Scripture.

To get started, compare these two passages from the book of Genesis (the first book of the Bible) and the Gospel of John (written hundreds of years later).

Genesis 1:1-3 (GNT)

In the beginning, when God created the universe, the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. Then God commanded, “Let there be light”—and light appeared.

John 1:1-4 (GNT)

In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people.

Reflection:

For this first reflection, take some time to think about how you’ve defined God. Grab a piece of paper and write the word “God” in the center. Then, list all the attributes you associate with God, even if some of the words are “unfavorable.” Keep this list handy. At the end of this journey, you will reflect on the ways in which your understanding has changed or has been reinforced.

Prayer:

Dear God, please help me find new or deeper understanding of who you are. Prepare my heart and mind to read, hear, see, and understand you better. Thank you for your Word, which testifies about you. Amen.

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