1 JOHN 1:1-4

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2007

AN INVITATION

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. 1 John 1:1-4 (NKJV)

The majority of Biblical Scholars' agree that the John who writes this Epistle is the same St. John who wrote the fourth Gospel. This is the first of a series of Devotions on the First Epistle of John. It is my hope that as we meditate on St. John’s Epistle, where the keynote is Love, that together we can grow in our Love of God.

The Introduction and Invitation that make up these first four verses are very important. Often people will skip over the Introduction to get right to the meat of the letter. That can be done with personal letters we receive because we know all about the person who sent the letter.

In the first three verses, St. John makes the assumption that the reader knows what he had written in his Gospel. Can he assume that with us? If you do not know the Gospel according to St. John, it might be good to read it first and then return to these Devotions. All of the Devotions that have appeared on this page can be found in the archives. This way you can read the Gospel and then return and catch up. In these verses, St. John makes reference to the Eternal Nature of Christ, that the Son became flesh and dwelt among us and how we are in union with the Father and the Son, meaning in close fellowship with Them. To know the message of God’s Love as St. John explains it in his Gospel is so important as John writes more about the Eternal Savior.

In the fourth verse is the Invitation. John writes these words so that the joy of the reader might be FULL. There is no greater joy than a joy that is full. It is not a momentary joy. It is not a joy that lasts months or years. It is a Joy that lasts throughout Eternity because we continue to grow and grow in Christ’s Love.

We receive an invitation to join an organization. Unless we are a person who joins everything that comes along, we investigate, we try to find out everything we can about the people and the purpose; then we make the decision. What would you do if this invitation arrived in your mailbox?

Dear Friend,

My disciple John has written about me in His Gospel. He has told you that I am Eternal, and that I existed from before the beginning of the World. When man was created, he was without sin. When he yielded to temptation, his Creator still loved him. I came into the world and became a man so that I could overcome his sins and your sins. It was the only way that I could show you how much I love you and to provide you with the way to Eternal Life with Me.

Now while you live in the world, I invite you to find full joy in fellowship with me and with all the Saints. Come join in fellowship with us. I am the Good Shepherd. As you follow me, you will learn more of my love. Please give serious consideration to this invitation to join my Fellowship.

 

Your Lord and Savior, Jesus

WE PRAY: Lord, send your Holy Spirit upon me that I may have the strength and courage to submit myself to your Love. AMEN

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Read the Gospel of St. John several times over the next few weeks.