God’s Word became a ManJohn 1:1-14

Years ago I had software that would transform one picture into another, for instance my face into that of a zebra. It is called ‘morphing’ and was often amusing.

One important result of this process was a better understanding of incarnation. Since using it, I could imagine the speech or words of God being transformed into a human being, a perfect man named Jesus.

“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 were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”

This passage goes on to explain what He is, why the very Word of God became flesh, and how He was received (or not) . . .  

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it . . . The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-14)

God spoke and the universe was created. His words are that powerful. Yet the Bible says those words are singular, the Word. It was Jesus, the eternal Son of God who created all things. He is also the light of this dark world and so powerful that darkness must flee when His light shines.

That requires some cooperation, but sin blinds eyes and keeps people in the dark. When the Word came to Israel, God’s chosen people, they were looking for a political leader to get them out from under Roman oppression; they didn’t recognize Him as their Messiah, their Savior. Only a few did . . .  and after He died and rose again, that few grew into a multitude. Since then, millions have trusted Jesus and welcomed Him into their lives. To those He has given a glimpse of His glory, and we see His grace and truth.

Sin’s demise is illustrated in an Old Testament story. Deadly snakes bit everyone. God told Moses to create a bronze snake on a pole. Everyone who looked at it would be spared from certain death . . .

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15)

^^^^^^^^^^

Oh Lord Jesus, such a wonder to think of who You are and what You have done. Today, that image of a snake (or two snakes depending on the version chosen) is a symbol of the medical profession. This symbol is supposedly rooted in Greek mythology, but every time I see it, I think of You, the Great Physician. You heal the worst disease of all — sin. Sin affects every person alive and is totally without human cure. You are the only medicine that can erase it and its deadly power. Our part is to look to You, trust You, receive You, believing in Your name. My Lord and God, Jesus Christ — what a wonder You are!