John 1:17 - Jesus Grace and Truth.
John 1:17 (NKJV) For the law was given
through Moses, but grace and truth came through
Jesus Christ.
INTRODUCTION
Law and grace (the combination of God's
"unfailing love and faithfulness") are both aspects of
God's nature that he uses in dealing with us.
Moses emphasized God's law and justice, while
Jesus Christ came to highlight God's mercy, love,
faithfulness, and forgiveness. Moses could only be the
giver of the law, while Christ came to fulfill the
law (Matthew 5:17). The nature and will of God
were revealed in the law; now the nature and will
of God are revealed in Jesus Christ. Rather
than coming through cold stone tablets, God's
revelation now comes through a person's life. As we get
to know Christ better, our understanding of God
will increase. [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
If Jesus were a Superhero - Oh, wait. He
is! - His nickname might be Opposite Man. He was
always upending traditional patterns and erasing
preconceived notions. He loved to engage those who
considered themselves religious and point out how their
diligent, humanly devised plans were in direct
opposition to the teachings of God.
He confronted a Pharisee who boasted
about tithing down to a tenth of his last mint
leaf (Matthew 23:23). Jesus responded, in
essence, "You call that tithing? Have you called your
mother lately?"
Jesus called the dead "not dead."
Lazarus, for instance (John 11:1-44). Jesus said life
after death was true living (John 11:25). He made
His point with dust motes rather than daggers.
Who does that? Opposite Man.
When one of His hotheaded companions
sliced off a soldier's ear in defense of Him, Jesus
bent down, picked up the ear, and reattached it
(Luke 22:49-51). Classic Opposite Man.
What could be more opposite than that?
Jesus did the unexpected, the opposite,
the unheard of, and is still operating that way
today. He forgives me even though I don't deserve
to be forgiven. He loves me despite my
unlovable behaviors. He offers me eternal life after I
die, just because I believe in Him. Even if I
give up on myself, He doesn't give up on me.
I pray I never take for granted the
wonder of Opposite Man's power and wisdom. Since
I'm not a superhero, I find myself in need of it
every single day. Cynthia Ruchti
Faith Step: Make a list of recent
behaviors that were in direct opposition to the
teachings of Jesus. Then pray for wisdom and strength
to next time offer actions of love in the face
of conflict and strife. [Mornings With Jesus
2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
COMMENTARY
Your strength and growth in grace come
only from one source. If when you are tempted and
tried you stand bravely for the right, victory is
yours. You are one step nearer to perfection of
Christian character. A holy light from heaven fills
the chambers of your soul, and you are
surrounded by a pure, fragrant atmosphere.
It is our privilege to stand with the
light of heaven upon us. It was thus that Enoch
walked with God. It was no easier for Enoch to live
a righteous life than it is for us at the
present time. The world in his time was no more
favorable to growth in grace and holiness than it is
now.
It was by prayer and communion with God
that Enoch was enabled to escape the corruption
that is in the world through lust. We are living
in the perils of the last days, and we must
receive our strength from the same source. We must
walk with God. A separation from the world is
required of us, for we cannot remain free from its
pollution unless we follow the example of the faithful
Enoch.
Who among us have gained one precious
attainment after another, until envy, pride, malice,
jealousy, and selfishness have been swept away, and
only the graces of the Spirit remain"meekness,
forbearance, gentleness, charity? God will help us if we
take hold of the help He has provided. AG304
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY
Genesis 5:23, 24 - Enoch; Wow What an
Example!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211103-0846.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
