August 12 | 1 John 1:1-3

Aug 12

3 min read

DAILY READING

1 John 1:1-3

REFLECTION

PROCLAIM THE WORD OF LIFE

By Beth Voltmann

The first few verses of this epistle are written like the start of a sweeping epic novel! We are caught up in the urgency of John’s letter, his longing to convey the truth and hope of the life of Jesus Christ. As one of the original “cloud of witnesses” testifying to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, an elderly John described what he and the other apostles/disciples had experienced with Jesus. They saw, they heard, they touched the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His impassioned account stirs our senses as we read:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”

(1 John 1:1-3)

Just as Jesus had instructed, John proclaimed the Word of life from the rooftops without fear. (Matthew 10:27) By using familiar terminology, “That which was from the beginning” (v. 1), he stirred our minds across the ages to recall similar words:

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

and

John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John wanted those who had not seen Jesus to know him, to believe without a doubt that Jesus is real. He always was, always is, and always will be. John’s deep desire was that many would hear the testimony and join in the fellowship of believers across the ages with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.

The proclamation was made, leaving no doubt. Now it is our time, our opportunity, to pay it forward – to share the Good News. Let us proclaim with confidence that JESUS IS THE WORD OF LIFE.

Though you have not seen him, you love, him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

(1 Peter 1:8-9)

PRAYER

Father God,

Stir us by your Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the Word of Life. As your disciples, we ask that others would feel compelled by the stories we share. May they see, hear, touch and desire the miracle of salvation through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Draw many more into your fellowship of faith. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever.

Amen.

“I know that my redeemer lives...

I myself will see him

with my own eyes –

I, and not another.”

(Job 19:25, 27)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.