An eye on the past
I am still at the beginning, it’s huge!
1 John 2
v7
Whatever new happens it is because of the old. In fact, all things new are often actually not really new, they are the old which is renewed, refreshed and is experienced as new. For example today you could fall in love with the knowledge you have a Saviour. It can feel like Jesus is saving you for the very first time such is the intensity of the moment. But of course, your Saviour was there on day one and you met him then.
v13,14
We need more fathers. Actually, we need more fathers who have known Him. Who have walked the walk. Who have gone through the years and have withstood the test of time. Who can speak of the stories of the past. Who can tell of the miracles of yesteryear.
We need fathers who know God is. They have a past knowledge of Him but it is a present reality. They talk of Him now, today, His work in the present year from a perspective of the past that strengthens not detracts.
We need fathers who have a beginning. We need fathers who were on the first page. The ones who gave us the baton.
v24
The beginning has to keep making the impact on you. Your first love is still important. Remain John says. Let the beginning remain in you. It’s not about pursuing your alpha male or being one. But it is about worshipping the God who is alpha, He is the first, the beginning and continues to be the beginning every day for someone in this world. The next time you tell someone, “God can give you a new beginning, a whole brand new start,” then realise again this is not just powerful words, this is not just amazingly true, it is everything, absolutely everything, something that must never be let go of!
Someone today, maybe you, needs to go back to the God of the beginning and stay awhile.
Missions Paul 