Verse of the Day 5/10

Verse of the Day 5/10

John 1:16-17

English Standard Version

16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The read through the New Testament plan that I'm following brought me to John chapter 1 today.  It is one of my favorites.  Oftentimes I stop and consider it's relation to Genesis and the "in the beginning", other times it is John 1:12 and all who believe in Him "He gave the right to be children of God".  John 1:14 stated "the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" or as The Message paraphrases He "moved into the neighborhood.'  But today I'd like to focus on verses 16 and 17 and "we have all received grace upon grace".

Stop and think about that word structure, "grace upon grace".  You can interpret it as grace on top of grace, grace "heaped" upon us; or grace continually given to. us.  All would be correct. As I read and considered this it made me think of all that we are blessed with, undeservedly.

Back in our little church in Schller Park Illinois, during our Sunday evening service we would often sing favorites from the hymnal.  My dad would often request "Count Your Many Blessings", to the point that as soon as my dad would raise his hand the song leader would say, I know John, "Count Your Many Blessings". I'm glad that I had a dad who thought that and wanted to sing it repeatedly.  I'm glad that I have a wife who also counts her many blessings.  They help me realize how blessed I've been.

Take some time to think about the grace upon grace that has been heaped upon you.  Perhaps reading the old hymn will help you "Count Your Many Blessings" one by one.

1. When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God has done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

1. John 1:12-18

   English Standard Version

   12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

   14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[a] from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.[b] 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God,[c] who is at the Father's side,[d] he has made him known.