First off, I need to stress that I love GOD’s Word, and I believe the Bible to be just that. I believe that it isn’t just a love story, but also something that I need to apply to my life in every aspect. This is our first week as a Blogging Bible Study and also check out the others on my blog roll under the Bible Study. They already have posted some very sweet posts on this reading. This week we are all looking at John, Chapter one.
So here are some of my thoughts on a only two verses…I could write a small book on just this chapter.
John 1:12
12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, (NASB)
12Yet some people accepted him and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be the children of God (CEV)
12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV)
According to Strongs Exhaustive Concordance, this is what I found while looking for what is the “right/power”.
The word was originally written to read “exousia” (G1832) meaning;
(in sense of ability), privilege, that is (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom or (objectively) mastery, (concrete magistrate, superhuman,potentate, token of control) delegate influence-authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
Intense huh? We have been given the right /power to become HIS child, and all that goes with it. Wonder why we live in such defeat most of the time, when we have this privilege, this freedom, this mastery over sin, we have the right and the strength to overcome… Somehow I think we down play this verse and over look what awesome gift we have been given. Its so much more than being a step child! Its full rights to the family of God.
John 1: 43
43The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found* Philip. And Jesus said* to him, “Follow Me.” (NASB)
I am always in awe of our God who took the confinement of a human body, and would just walk up and look in ones eyes, outstretched hand…and say “Follow me” , “Come with me”. There is no mention of HIM just sitting down and debating scripture, or putting out a sales pitch for himself, or even painting a pretty picture…just “follow me”.
Strongs G190 follow- akoloutheo (as a particle of union) keleuthos (a road); properly to be in the same with, that is,to accompany (specifically as a disciple): follow-reach
There is no place in the study of the word “follow” that says to walk behind…it says to be in the same with..like walking with HIM, learning from HIM as HE moves, and reaching out to others in the same way HE reached out to me/you. Do you remember that defining moment when you knew HIS hand was extended to you, and HE said “Follow me” ? I do, and if you have not ever had this experience..ask for it..or maybe you only need to respond to it…
ponderings of a princess... 