Scripture – John 1:11b-13
But whoever did want him,
who believed he was who he claimed
and would do what he said,
He made to be their true selves,
their child-of-God selves.
These are the God-begotten,
not blood-begotten,
not flesh-begotten,
not sex-begotten.
Observe – The Word (Logos: Greek) became flesh… so that flesh (people) could be God’s children. In other words, the divine became human so that humans could be divine. ‘Logos’ for the Jews meant divine,… Yet it is quite obvious that John is not saying Christians are gods. No. Christians are ‘little-Christs’, people living out what God has placed within them.
Apply – So, how do you I apply being ‘God-begotten’ in an everyday kind of way? From verse 12 it seems that believing is a good place to start. Jesus has made me new. Jesus has changed me, saved me, freed me to live out what He is putting within me. This passage reminded me of a devotional I read years ago,
With focused attention and great care, you have to “work out” what God “works in” you— not work to accomplish or earn “your own salvation,” but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord. As you do this, you do not bring an opposing will up against God’s will— God’s will is your will. Your natural choices will be in accordance with God’s will, and living this life will be as natural as breathing. – Oswald Chambers, June 6, Utmost for His Highest
Pray – Jesus, I’m your little brother in strange and beautiful way, a divine relationship. Thank you for redeeming my life. Just as you are in beautiful relationship with the Father and Spirit, open my eyes and heart to how I too am in relationship with you, the Father and the Spirit. Help me work out what you have placed within me. It is hard to believe that your will is my will when so many of my human motivations draw me toward darkness. You saved me, now I want to live out of that reality joining you on your mission. Help me to live this life with you so that it becomes as natural as breathing.
Lloyd Letkeman
Lloyd is married to Carol and the two of them are Regional Mission Mobilizers – Prairie Region for Mennonite Bretheren Mission.