The Word

Dallas White

Scripture Readings: 

John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.

John 1:14-18

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”) 16 Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, 17 for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.

Colossians 3:16a

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you…

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Commentary: 

Jesus is the Word

Consider the wonderful progression of these passages: first, note that the Word is eternal. Before the creation of time or space, man or matter, the eternal Word existed. This eternality was marked by a majestic love between Father and Son (John 17:24); one that was so rich it simply had to be shared. So the eternal Word uttered a word, and in an instant the earth was formed. He spoke all things into existence (Colossians 1:15-16) and everything that He created was good (Genesis 1:31).

Sadly, sin would soon spoil the goodness of God’s creation and end the fellowship we were fashioned to share with Him. So the Word became flesh. He laid aside His Heavenly glory to give us glimpse of the Father’s heart for us. Though He was sinless, Christ became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

On the cross, the One who spoke all things into existence and upholds all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3) was silent. He took our place so that we could take His. On Calvary, the Word was crushed and for a few days, the enemy was convinced he had hushed Hope’s voice. But in the midst of that silence, all of Heaven shouted, “He’s alive!” 

Our living and active Lord could not be confined by His creation. And thankfully, the resurrected Christ is still speaking today through His Spirit, penetrating our souls and causing our hearts to burn within (Luke 24:32).

Prayer & Reflection: 

Eternal Word of God, we bless you today! You are alive and active, desiring to dwell deeply within me. Make my heart your home. Have your way with me. Speak and I will listen; show me the Father’s heart.