I am really looking forward to this series in the Gospel of John. Over many years of reading the scriptures, it has become one of my favorite New Testament books, because it starts with "In the beginning", which takes me back to Genesis where everything started.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1:1-2 NIV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made John 1:1-3 NIV
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:10-13 NIV
As I read what John wrote, I wonder if he had any difficulty putting into words what he wanted to say from all the memories he had of the years he spent with Jesus. I wish I could ask him directly how he could write as he did. Maybe I could learn how to put into words what I'd like to write for these devotionals.
Something I do know is that sometimes I get so used to one version of the Bible that I begin to get lazy in my reading and study. So I find that reading in a different version enlivens my study. I see things I've been missing and relate them to what is happening in my life right now.
The version below is the First Nations Version of The New Testament.
Long ago, in the time before all days, before the creation of all things, the one who is known as the Word was there face to face with the Great Spirit. This Word fully represents Creator and shows us who he is and what he is like. He has always been there from the beginning, for the Word and Creator are one and the same. Through the Word all things came into being, and not one thing exists that he did not create.
John 1:1-3 FNVNT
He came down into this world, and even though he made all things, the world did not recognize him. Even his own tribe did not welcome or honor him. But all who welcome and trust him receive their birthright as children of the Great Spirit. They are born in a new way, not from a human father's plans or desires, but born from above—by the Great Spirit. John 1:10-13 FNVNT
by Carolyn Schmitt
