The Word Became Proximate
For Meditation
This weekend we are hosting our Local Missions Conference with the theme of Proximity, where we are exploring what it means to join God’s work right here in Richmond. We will undoubtedly be inspired and energized by the many ways that we can reach out to our neighbors who live most proximate to us, ways we can get in proximity to those who may not typically notice, and ways that we can rebuild connection within isolated and disconnected communities.
And yet, as we conclude our meaningful sermon series on the book of Ecclesiastes, we are all perhaps more clear-eyed than ever about the brutality of the human experience and the fruitlessness of so many things that we toil away at day after day. So perhaps the most important question of all to answer is why Christians ought to be concerned about those who are proximate to them? Why is this something worth toiling away at, in the midst of the hebel? And in a world where “everything is meaningless,” do we have anything to offer our neighbors that can stand firm?
In preparation for worship this week, reflect on the familiar opening hymn of John’s gospel found in John 1, verses 1-5 and 14. Consider how Jesus made himself proximate to us through his incarnation, and what answer Christ’s incarnation offers to the hebel of our world.
John 1:1-5, 14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.