Verse: 1 John 1:1
That which was from the beginning,
which we have heard,
which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked at and our hands have touched —
this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.

Devotion:
The intense eyewitness described in this verse is something that I cannot fathom. To have heard the voice of Jesus, to have looked into his eyes, to have touched him with his own hands. I just find it too amazing to grasp. It feels far beyond me.

But at the same time, John was a disciple of Jesus, the one He loved. Often, when I think of the disciples I think about how they were goobers sometimes, they missed the mark, they misunderstood Jesus and got things wrong. It’s so much more relatable than this first person experience of Christ. But their hearts were on the right track; they truly loved Him.

And from these awkward but well-meaning young men, they matured in their faith. They wrote letters of encouragement with deep understanding, great knowledge, and mysterious truth to Jesus’ followers around the world. John’s confidence in the truth is clear. And this can be us, as well. It should be what we are aiming for. To love Jesus well, to trust him fully, and grow deeper in our understanding. Then we will be able to help those around us, who are younger in faith, in their growth and maturity.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for those who have helped us along in our faith, who have sown into us and imparted wisdom. Would you enable us to continue to grow in our knowledge of you, to do the same! Amen

Author: Emily Costa