Devo Week 33

Relational Power -- The Word Made Flesh

The Gospel message is relational at its core: God became one of us. This is the closest kind of relationship there is. Following in Christ's footsteps means drawing close to others. This is how we become living epistles, fleshing out the written Word of God before humankind. Our testimony -- the fruit of our changed life -- is what impacts others. (II Cor. 3:2) Missing the incarnation is to reduce the power of the Gospel.

Key Concept: A Relational Kingdom

Just as soil reveals the seed, so right relationship with God and others reveals the fruit of the Gospel. When summarizing the ten commandments, Jesus reduced the law of the Kingdom of God to only two: love God and love your neighbor. This is what Jesus called the 'fruit of the Kingdom.' (Matt. 22:37-40; 21:43)

Salvation for all nations can be found in the person of Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12) Sharing our testimony of Christ among the nations enables them to encounter His presence. Through us, they are able to taste and see the goodness of God. Our healthy relationships advance God’s Kingdom; our broken ones recede it.

One of the biggest challenges in our virtual world is the relational distance created by it. There is no substitute for person-to-person contact. Recently, while trying to renew my passport, I had to call three different passport locations. Each time I was given a computer to answer my question. Finally, I called my local post office and spoke with a high school classmate who answered my question effortlessly.

If we seek to build primarily upon virtual communities, we are in danger of losing or diminishing our relational power. A real person can express both the mind and heart of God. God closed the relational gap with humanity when He became one of us. If we are serious about 'finishing the task' of spreading the glory of God to all nations, we must walk in His steps and close the distance in relationships with every people group.

Key Word Definition: humility (noun)

-- a modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance
-- not being proud or believing you are better than others

Excerpt from Devotional 33 with highlighted word:

"The incarnation – when God became one of us – confounded everyone. No one expected God’s power to come clothed in humanity and humility."

Scripture: John 1:14 (MSG)

"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish."