God on two legs
by Jim Strelan
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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14a).
Read John 1:10–18
What do you think of when you think of God? Do you think of glory, power, majesty and ruling from on high? The story of Christmas shows us God as a baby. God for whom there is no room. God, the asylum-seeker, as his parents flee with the baby Jesus to Egypt. God, taking on human form and living among us. God on two legs.
The reading for today talks of glory: ‘we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only’ (John 1:14b). And it speaks in earlier verses of a witness to the light coming to the world (John 1:8,9). But this glory and this witness to light is God incarnate (God taking on bodily form). So, the most relatable way to think of God is to think of him in the person of Jesus: God on two legs.
This is God at a wedding feast, providing more than enough wine when the wine had run out, so that the festivities could continue. The God who blesses and gives joy. This is God who sees the maimed, the blind and the outcast leper, and brings healing. This is God who reaches down to the woman ostracised by the men, some of whom perhaps committed adultery with her, and helps her to stand with her head held high. This is God in the boat when the wind and waves were threatening, bringing calm and safety. This is God who takes the children upon his lap and blesses them. This is God who weeps when he sees Lazarus’ friends weeping. This is God hanging from a cross and inviting the guilty thief next to him to join him in Paradise. This is God who says that he is with us always. Not far away, not just seated on his heavenly throne, but as close to us as breathing itself. God who comes to us as we stretch out our hands to receive bread and wine as we gather in communion. God become flesh. God living among us.
As you go into this new year, God is with you. If last year was forgettable, God likes new beginnings. Let him walk with you, on his legs. That’s where the light will be – and the glory.
Thank you, God, for showing yourself in the person of Jesus. Walk with me today and all the days to come. Amen.
Jim lives on Brisbane’s northside with his wife, Ruth. He enjoys reading and listening to music, is a proud Brisbane Lions member and loves his children and grandchildren. Jim is passionate about the gospel and the freedom it brings.
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