Out of the many verses of the Bible, I'd have to say that I enjoy reading the first chunk of John chapter 1 the most. It's very different from many verses in the Bible. It's somewhat ambiguous and full of symbolism. All the times I have read through it, different section become clearer to me or stands out. This of course is true of all verses in the Bible and for many that read it, but John 1 vs 1 through 18 are different for me.
I remember the first time it was read to me, which was most likely in the sunday school or some other sort of Bible class. I had no idea what was going on and I thought it was strange that John decided to begin his version of the gospel in such a way. Middle school version of me wanted to talk to John and ask him what he was really trying to say. I had similar struggles in high school when it came to deciphering poems. I had very little patience for these people called poets who couldn't just spit out what it was they were trying to say.
These irritations continued until one day everything snapped into place. My brain began making connections and forming understanding that was not there before. My frontal lobes matured enough to find meeting and appreciation for the art of poetry.
Part of what gave me such a Eureka moment came from the help of my high school English teacher. They took us step by step through some of the verses of Scripture (one of the Psalms but I can't remember which) until the symbols and the context not only made sense but also spoke to me.
Having attended a Christian school, my teachers also often spoke of the importance of words and language. Reminding me and my classmates of how easily a person can be built up or be brought down low by using words.
These two lessons made me realize the importance of my words and heeled me to understand the beauty of the poetry John had written. John could have written the opening of his gospel in a very different, more direct way, but would it would not be nearly as unique or beautiful.
When I think of John drafting his introduction to Jesus' life and story, I imagined him struggling, attempting to write it in some more comprehensive way, and failing. And then, I imagine him being struck with inspiration and taking a completely different path.
What I found with poetry is that it flows from deep within your soul. Something stirs and we just have to let it out. When I've written poetry I write what comes to me as I go. I believe poetry can often come from the Holy Spirit working in us trying to tell us something in a way that is different from how we usually talk or write.
I found such a stirring after reading through those verses in John just now. Reading a different version (the Message) has also helped to bring some light to what John was inspired to write. I've also for the first time noticed the parallels between the opening of Genesis (speaking the word world into creation through the use of words) and how John takes this idea to explain to us how God was now speaking / creating salvation through Jesus. It's pretty powerful stuff!
I encourage you to take a moment and read the first eighteen verses of John one. Read them slowly, read them aloud, and marvel in the beauty that they hold; the truth that they speak of.
No comments:
Post a Comment