THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 322

In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. (John 1:1-18) The same WORD was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by Him (GOD’S WORD) and without Him (GOD’S WORD) was not any thing made that was made. Indeed, He, GOD’S WORD was in the world and the world was made by Him (GOD‘S WORD) and the world did not know Him (GOD’S WORD).

In fact, He even came unto His own but His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

But as we read in the scriptures, GOD’S WORD was made (VEILED) in flesh and dwelt among us. As a consequence, we beheld His (GOD’S WORD) glory. Yes, GOD’S WORD - glory. GOD’S WORD appearing as the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth. No man has seen God at any time except the only begotten Son which is in the bosom (INNERMOST BEING) of the Father. He -- GOD’S WORD has declared Him GOD.

"God was manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16)

Moreover, when John the baptist sees JESUS coming toward him, he says, "Behold the LAMB of GOD who takes away the sin of the world." This is He (GOD’S WORD) of whom I have spoken, After me comes a man (GOD’S WORD) which (HE) is preferred before me: for He (GOD”S WORD) existed before me.

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Matthew 3:11)

Note that John did not know Him (GOD‘S WORD) beforehand. All he knew was that He (GOD’S WORD) should be made manifest to Israel. Therefore, he came baptizing with water, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness -- prepare ye the way of the Lord -- make His paths straight." (Matthew 3:1-17)

Further, John bare record of what he saw when Jesus was baptized. (GOD’S) Spirit descending from heaven like a dove. And it abode upon Him. Yes, GOD’S WORD. But John did not know Him (GOD‘S WORD), until the heavens opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lightning upon Him, and lo a voice from heaven saying, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)

Still, it was revealed to John that upon the Lamb of God he should see (GOD’S) Spirit descending on and remaining on the same He (GOD’S WORD). Yes, John witnessed with his own eyes, and bear record that this man is indeed the Son of God.

JESUS' birth record provides the same evidence. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph but before they came together Mary was found with child - a child of the Holy Ghost. The angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, "Joseph, take unto you Mary for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is -- God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

A virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call His name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is GOD’S WORD with us. Why is this important? Because WITHOUT [the] WORD, it is impossible even to theorize how this world even came to be. But as we now know -- for our sake -- God’s Word was veiled in flesh to communicate with us. To sanctify us. To bring us salvation.

"And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

"One Lord, One faith, One baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6) "But to us one God the Father of whom are all things and we in Him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by Him." (I Corinthians 8:5-6)

Our salvation comes from the sacrifice of our heavenly Father, who loved us enough to be made as one of us so that He who knew no sin could wash us clean from the holy blood He shed on the cross for you and I. Indeed, there is no other.

"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Yes, the Lord did not only send a word to His prophets. He also sent a WORD for us in this current dispensation of grace. And the WORD? Jesus -- the one and only King of kings and Lord of lords who invites us all to come and dine at His wedding feast. Hear His call on your life today. Reach out and ask for His forgiveness. Be baptized in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that you too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42) Diligently study His Word, and in particular, the new testament which is intended to teach us what we need to know in this time period in which we live.

Praise Him every day for His goodness and mercy ... JESUS -- THE WORD OF GOD VEILED IN FLESH!