1 John 5:20 We
know also that the Son of God has come and has given us
understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
The Apostle John lived in a
multicultural and diverse world. The Roman Empire contained many different
people from all sorts of backgrounds, nations, and religions. The success of
the Empire lay not just in its military strength, but also in its tolerance of
different cultures. Romanization of different ethnic groups and races did not
involve the complete wiping out of local traditions, gods, and cultures. As
long as people did not rebel and paid homage by paying taxes to the Emperor,
they could remain under the protection of Rome.
However, when Christianity appeared
on the scene, it came into conflict with the Roman authorities almost
immediately. The fact that Christ had been crucified under Roman Law meant that
His followers were seen as insurrectionists who could not be tolerated or
allowed to grow across the Empire. This is why so many of Christ’s original disciples
were martyred; they were considered to be hostile extremists whose sole mission
was to bring down the Roman Empire. In fact, only the Apostle John who wrote
today’s verse, lived to a ripe old age, albeit in exile on a lonely island in
the Aegean Sea.
John was writing his first letter to
new Christians who may have been frightened by the persecuting power of the
Roman authorities. He expressed to them his absolute certainty that Jesus was
sent by God in order to lead people to the Truth, so that his readers would
know where and from whom to find eternal life. John states it simply and
succinctly: ‘we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the
true God and eternal life.’
Today, we have the opportunity of
sharing in and experiencing the same reality. Christ alone forgives our sins,
draws us to God, and grants us eternal life. In a cosmopolitan, multicultural world,
this is currently interpreted as being narrow-minded, exclusive, and
intolerant. So what’s new? Those were the very same criticisms and charges
that were raised against the Apostle John and the First Century Christians –
why should we think that the world would see us any differently?
Questions for personal reflection
What makes me a
Christian? Do I accept John’s ancient words that Jesus is the true God and
eternal life? Why?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are all seeking the
Truth so that our lives can be lived out purposefully, genuinely, and
effectively. Keep us mindful of the original beliefs that the Apostles like
John had and which the First Christians embraced. In Your Holy Name, may we
remain devoted to You. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If
you would like to make a comment or ask a question about today’s message,
please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
Please
feel free to share and forward this message to your friends and families.
Today’s
image is one of John’s Pentecost drawings called “Spirit Window.” You can view
a larger version at the following link: Spirit
Window.
