“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Does this verse of Scripture sound familiar? It should! I used it yesterday with Liz as she cared for her four-year-grandson. Today the same Scripture made a huge impact upon the life of a pastor I will call Sam. Though he was a young pastor, he was fully committed to the church family he sought to shepherd. Within the first year of his pastorate with them, he discovered that things were not at all as the pulpit committee had described them. In fact, there were several things that really needed to be addressed. Some of the members became hostile as he sought to lead in the areas that needed to be changed. Sam’s heart was broken as he saw men and women respond sinfully. “Lord, what am I ever going to do?” he whispered to the Lord. In his Bible reading program, he came to the gospel of John that morning. He was once again gripped with the powerful truth of John 1:14. “That’s it! It’s right there, isn’t it, Lord? You dwelled in the midst of all kinds of people and all kinds of behavior and yet, You were full of grace and truth.” Things didn’t become any easier for Pastor Sam. However, God greatly used this man who was full of both grace and truth.
For today: In every walk of life, in every place, and in every occasion, being full of grace and truth ought to be our goal. We’re really going to need the Lord’s help to do this, aren’t we?