1 John 1:1–4 (NKJV) — 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
Can you imagine having the experience of John and the other apostles? For three and a half years they walked with Jesus…we get just a glimpse of their experience. John summarizes for us his time with Christ. We speak to God in prayer…the apostles spoke to Him face to face. The eternal God came to earth in the form of a man. He lived, He walked, He talked, He heard, He saw. Jesus walked on this earth and communicated with the apostles and others! I remember a time in the ‘80s Billy Graham spoke at the SBC in St. Louis. I was excited. I made sure I had a front-row seat right in front of where he was to speak. I got to my spot early and placed myself so there was no way anyone could interfere with my view of him. How much greater would be the experience of walking with Jesus day in and day out.
We are not going to have the experience of the apostles. But we do have the experience of knowing Christ. “That which was from the beginning…” is living in the lives of all followers, believers in Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit God lives in those who have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. Paul writes in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
If those living outside of Christ can boldly be missionaries of Satan how much more boldly should we stand up and proclaim the living Christ who lives in us?
After the resurrection of Christ, there had to be an excitement that could not be contained. For us, today, having accepted the living Christ into our lives there should be an excitement of having the living Christ walk with us day in and day out. We should have the same boldness in sharing Christ as the disciples of the first century had! Just think about how blessed and special you are having Jesus live in you!