Thoughts From John - Day 1

                                                          Day 1

                                   John 1:1-13

 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 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

                     Have you ever seen the show "Undercover Boss"? The premise is that the founder of the company, the CEO, the ultimate head of the business that started it and decides whether it keeps going or not, comes in disguise to work at his business. He comes and meets his employees, the ones whose very means of existence and livelihood depend on him. Sometimes they treat him rudely but yet some don't and usually it ends with some happy ending where he, after experiencing their plight first hand, showers blessings upon some lowly worker who has received him and he reveals himself to them. I felt like I should capitalize the "He's" as I typed them because you see the obvious similarities to John 1:1-11.

                  John says that Jesus formed the universe. God spoke creation into existence and Jesus was that "Word". The creation owes its very existence to him and we, with the breath of life owe our very life to Him. However, when He came as the founder in disguise, mankind rejected Him. The parable of the vineyard says that the boss came and the usurpers of the vineyard, the hired help, decided to kill the boss and take over the vineyard. Wow, that would have made for an interesting episode! Yet we read as we continue that Jesus is so full of grace and truth that 2000 years later He is still not willing that any should perish but that all should be given a chance to repent of their sin and receive His forgiveness and His status as boss of their life. But that's not all. Because of His grace He wants to make you co-owner. WHAT!!?? That never happened on the show!

                    In this day and age where the world is seeing Christians as ungracious, may we go forth with the same grace that our boss - our Lord and master has shown to us.