Bring it to Life

My encouragement for you today comes from a simple yet profound statement made regarding the advent of Jesus' time here on earth as recorded in John 1. 'And the word became flesh and dwelt among us...' (v.14). This statement signifies much more than just a quick glossing over the fact that God sent His son to earth. It's a statement, due to it's depth, that requires us to look at what was done by God and then what we must do in light of that. The fact is that we are called to be the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) and today, the word must still become flesh and dwell among us.

When Jesus redeems us by His blood, we become restored children of God according to His will, meaning that we now become not only partakers of His divine favor and grace, but also ambassadors who represent His character to the world (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In a very real sense, Jesus not only came as the messiah, but also as the forerunner for us in allowing God's word to be realized in our lives and in the lives of those around us. When Jesus was manifested in the flesh, the reality was that all of who He was in God as 'the Word' became a reality that we could tangibly witness and interact with. I would dare say that we are called to represent Him in the same way, allowing the word to become a reality in us that people can witness and interact with, thus being drawn to the Father. Remember that prior to His ascension, Jesus prayed for those who would believe in Him because of our [although spoken to the original disciples this statement is directed to all disciples] word. He was literally installing us as those who would do what He did, not as messiahs in our own right, but as His representatives. So the responsibility rests on us to allow God's word, written and spoken, to become a reality in us as we submit to it. As we do this, God will be glorified in us and His Kingdom will continue to advance because it won't be about us, but about Him. Obstacles, won't be seen as hindrances, but stepping stones to greater places He's called us to. Temptations won't be snares for us, but opportunities to show the power of the Word and the Spirit. Darkness will be dispelled and light will prevail as we continue in His word as true disciples (John 8:31-32) who are changing and becoming what He wills.

Ephesians 2:10 says that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. So let's allow the word to become flesh in our lives and in turn see God's greatness displayed. Remember today, and everyday, to receive the word and allow the Holy Spirit to bring it to life in you.