NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is prepared by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica, is currently serving in Japan as a missionary. Jason is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Intro 101 to Jesus”
John 1:1-8 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. [8] He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
When we are learning something new, we tend to go through stages. Let’s use physics as an example. In Stage 1, I don’t understand physics and I know I don’t understand physics. In Stage 2, I take a few physics courses and learn a few things but in reality, I still don’t understand physics. Only now, I don’t realize I don’t understand physics. In Stage 3, I learn enough physics to realize how little I understand and while I am growing in competence, I know I have a vast amount to learn.
These stages of learning may unfold when we learn about a new topic like health care or crime or when we are learning a new skill like playing the guitar or programming. They can also occur in the context of relationships. We can begin to imagine that we have figured out a friend, colleague, or parent and stop listening when in fact we are really in Stage 2, unaware of our ignorance.
Tragically, this can also happen with our relationship with Jesus. According to John 20:31, the Gospel of John was written so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and have life in His name. With this in mind, the apostle John begins his gospel introducing Jesus, and he essentially says, “You do not know who I am talking about.”
John tells us that in the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word is the Creator of all things. He is Life itself. He is the Light that is not overcome by the darkness.
Then the apostle John goes on a strange tangent. He says, “There was a man…” This man is not the light. His name is John the Baptist. Now we must understand that John the Baptist is not only the prophet who came before Jesus. He is the greatest prophet in human history. In fact, according to Matthew 11:11, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.
No one greater! Consider great people of human history. Great conquerors like Genghis Khan and Napoleon. Great geniuses like Einstein and Newton. Great spiritual leaders like Mother Theresa and Gandhi. John the Baptist is greater than all of them, but he is most certainly NOT the light!
The greatest person in human history is nothing compared to the true light who was coming into the world. This true light is not only worthy of affection but of all-consuming devotion. He deserves not only respect, but reverent, everlasting worship. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God, and the Savior of the World.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I never grow familiar with You in such a way that I lose my sense of awe and wonder. There is no one like You. You are above and beyond what words can express. Thank You that You receive my worship. You are worthy. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 17
Lunch Break Study
Read Isaiah 6:1–7 (ESV): In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. [2] Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. [3] And one called to another and said:“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” [4] And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. [5] And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”[6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. [7] And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
Question to Consider
- How do the seraphim demonstrate their reverence toward the Lord?
- What is Isaiah’s response to the glory of God?
- How is Isaiah able to remain in the presence of the Lord?
Notes
- The seraphim cover their faces and feet before the Lord and they continually declare God’s holiness.
- Isaiah is terrified and calls down curses upon himself, aware that as a sinner he cannot be in the presence of a holy God and live.
- One of the seraphim touches Isaiah’s unclean lips with a burning coal to take away Isaiah’s guilt and atone for his sin. Likewise, we are only able to come into the presence of God by the cleansing and atoning blood of Jesus.
Evening Reflection
Reflect on your day. Were there thoughts or circumstances that made Jesus appear small and ordinary? Were there moments when Jesus’s glory began to shine? Ask the Lord that He might reveal Himself to You and thank Him that He is eager to do so.