The Best Word
One of the most powerful verses in Scripture is found in John’s gospel:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 ESV
As you keep reading, it becomes abundantly clear that the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, identifies Jesus Christ as the “Word.”
From the first sentence in the Bible, we learn that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) Now, John explains, “In the beginning was the Word…” And not only was Jesus there in the beginning, but “the Word was with God…” And not only was the Word with God, but “the Word was God.”
So if Jesus has existed from the beginning, if He was with God, and if He was God, then that makes Him much more than a good person, a moral teacher, or even a prophet.
John claims that Jesus is fully man and fully God. This seems ridiculous—unless, of course, it’s true.
The truth is, God loved the world so much that He gave up His divine privileges, was born into human skin, and died a criminal’s death—so that the people He loves could have eternal life. He loves you.
Remember: He’s not just another name from history, He’s the very Creator of life.
Worshiping a Good God
At the time of Isaiah writing this verse, God had already done so many things for the nation of Israel. He brought them out of Egypt, rescued them from some evil nations and kings, blessed them with some great leaders (and challenged them with some not-so-good ones). And that was just the beginning of His providence and provision. Israel had a lot to be thankful for.
As readers of this passage now, thousands of years in the future all across the globe, we can confidently say that God has done and continues to do wonderful things, especially sending His Son, Jesus, to die and rise again, saving us and giving us eternal life.
Even in the face of unimaginable tragedies, fear, anxiety, depression, and whatever else the devil throws at us, we still have a lot to be thankful for. Because God will never stop doing wonderful things—that’s just who He is. And He who called us is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV).