Daily Devotion (September 20, 2024)
1 John 1:1–3 (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.
The personal experience of Jesus infiltrating our lives. Many can only speak of a relationship with a god that is impersonal, cold, and non-existent. For many the latter is worshiped but to no avail to the worshipper. John could write from personal firsthand experience. John walked with Jesus. He lived with Jesus. He heard the words of Jesus. Jesus was real to him. Now John is telling his story of Jesus so we too may be able to experience Jesus in our lives. The sad thing is Many only want enough of Jesus just to get into Heaven. There is no relationship. Without the relationship there is no Heaven.
For John and the other apostles there was a tangible relationship with Jesus. They were able to physically see Jesus. They were able to audibly hear Jesus speak. They were able to touch Jesus. But the greatest was to come. After the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, they were able to experience Him spiritually through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today for those who have accepted Christ into their lives, they have the power of God, His Spirit living in them. John is inviting us to join him in fellowship, ultimate fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Faith is meant to be lived and experienced daily, not just as a distant or abstract concept.