Evidence of a different kind

1 John1:¹ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— ² the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— ³ that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

Physical evidence is a critical component of crime enforcement.  There are experts in "forensic investigation" who look for proof that a crime can be connected to a person.  In recent years DNA has provided that unique association of crime and criminal.  But the Apostle John leads his first epistle with a review of physical evidence, not of a crime, but of a commitment between a real God and we, His people.  John began his gospel account with a profound reference to Jesus as the Word that had been made into human form: John 1:¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in thebeginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made....¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 

John wants us to know that he actually heard, saw, and touched Jesus.  Words can be powerful.  Jesus' words are the most powerful of all.  But John combined a knowledge of Jesus' words with direct physical knowledge of Him as a person.  Rather than a crime, the purpose of this evidence is to prove the greatest love man can know.  John wants us to realize that there is a closer relationship than ear, eye or hand can sense.  He calls it "fellowship with the Father and His Son".  We may not yet know Jesus physically, like John did, but we can share the closeness John knew as He walked with the Lord.  The Word became flesh so that our flesh would be joined to the Word.  This is evidence of love.

 

blessings,

Rob Smith