August 20, 2008
Little
Things
Now
if you're not into writing html code, that means very little. To the computer it
means a great deal. Without that first character the computer doesn't know to
convert all those extra characters into the right language for the devotional to
come out looking right.
Sometimes
it's the little things that make a huge difference.
Sometimes
the difference can be found in subtle differences in the English language, such
as whether the definite article "the" is used or an indefinite article
such as "a". Let me demonstrate with a couple of examples from God's
Word.
Jesus
answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as
well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
John 14:6-7 NIV
The
way, the truth and the life all show something specific. Jesus was clear that he
was not a way, a truth and a life. That means He is the only, not one of
multiple options. He makes a specific claim here. "The" not
"a" shows a huge difference in the claims of Jesus over other faiths.
We
see the same principle at work in the next verse. Once again, look for
"the" meaning the one and only not one of a variety.
Jesus
said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me
will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never
die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26 NIV
Jesus
is making an exclusive, not inclusive claim. Little words can make huge
differences.
"I
tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I
am!"
John 8:58 NIV
In
this case Jesus is talking with a hostile crowd of Jews.
His
claim "I am" was understood by them to mean Jesus was saying He is
God. God is the great "I am". That means, he isn't just the “I
was” (the God of yesterday) or the “I will be” (the God of tomorrow).
He
is the “I Am.” He was God yesterday (and forever before that), He is the God
we can rely on today, and He is the God we can trust in tomorrow (and for
eternity beyond). That little word "am" carries with it a huge punch,
both from a theological perspective and from a practical day-to-day, grab hold
of God perspective.
Until
next time, watch out for the small stuff. It can make a huge difference.
May
God Bless you and yours!
Darrel
Mason