WEEK ONE | DAY FOUR
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” —John 1:14
In his book The Unfolding Mystery, Edmund Clowney says, “True wisdom is not the achievement of man’s efforts; it is the gift of God’s grace. Neither scientific research nor muttered mantras will disclose the truth that gives meaning to our lives. Truth at last is personal (John 14:6).”
When Clowney talks about personal truth, he means truth in the person of Jesus, whom we can know personally. Jesus is truth; He is filled with “grace and truth.” No one else can truly make that claim.
Since Adam, humankind has often looked for wisdom in the wrong places. Wisdom does not come from worldly knowledge (just ask Solomon), wizards or sorcerers (as summoned by Pharaoh), nor from within ourselves.
Ana was desperate. Abandoned by her husband years ago, she was now running out of money. She was considering spending the little she had left on black magic in an attempt to regain her husband and finances. In her desperation, Ana found Indopartners’ online resources and was intrigued by the messages of hope they offered. She reached out to Indopartners’ staff, who shared with her how Jesus restores that which is broken and is the source of abundance and joy. Ana soon met with a Christian to learn more about Jesus and recently made the courageous decision to follow Him.
Advent is a time for sharing and celebrating Jesus, who is the Truth and is filled with “grace and truth.” To whom can you extend this message of hope this holiday season?