Day 17: Grace and Truth

Day 17
Grace and Truth, John 1:14-18

Imagine hiking the Appalachian trail (or your trail of choice). You’ve been walking for days, maybe even in a little lost. There’s a rest area somewhere, but no sign of it. Your food rations are getting low, your gear is wet from mud and rain, and your feet ache from the inside out. With your remaining willpower, you keep putting one foot in front of the other. Your pace quickens with hope as you see a glow of light through the trees. As you get closer, you see lights strung from trunk to trunk marking off a campsite. You pass a campfire giving off warmth as you walk towards a tent. Its flaps are open. You poke your head in to find a bed with a pillow fluffed to perfection. There is fresh water for drinking, a basin for washing, and clean clothes folded underneath a small cabinet. And then your eyes fall to the round table in the middle of the tent. A hot pot of stew and warm bread are waiting for you. And there’s a note. It says, “Welcome, ________ (insert your name.) This is all for you, just as I promised. Enjoy. Abba!”

John writes,
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

I can’t imagine life without the revelation of Jesus. So it’s hard to imagine how tired and weary God’s people must have been as they watched and waited for the Messiah.

In Greek, the word dwelt means “camp or pitch a tent.” God’s presence is often depicted as a cloud and smoke. Not in this case. The Messiah’s coming was as tangible as a campsite to weary travelers. As they watched and talked with Jesus, they were able to see the appearance of God the Father.

And what did we encounter? Grace and truth—unearned favor and faithfulness.

This is Emmanuel: Camping out with grace and truth. Glory!

John 1:14-18 is so rich in language and symbolism, there’s no way to do it justice in this devotional setting. So, if you’re looking for something to study and search out, I can’t recommend this passage enough.