It’s all about the details

“[I am writing about] what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life [the One who existed even before the beginning of the world, Christ]— and the Life [an aspect of His being] was manifested, and we have seen [it as eyewitnesses] and testify and declare to you [the Life], the eternal Life who was [already existing] with the Father and was [actually] made visible to us [His followers]— what we have seen and heard we also proclaim to you, so that you too may have fellowship [as partners] with us. And indeed our fellowship [which is a distinguishing mark of born-again believers] is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be made complete [by having you share in the joy of salvation]. -1 John 1:1‭-‬4

John is who I like to call, "The deepest Disciple." We all know that he is the disciple whom Jesus loved. Lol, and it's funny because he himself obviously wrote that. I honestly believe that Jesus loved them all equally and eternally as He does us today in 2023: "Now before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that His hour had come [and it was time] for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. Having [greatly] loved His own who were in the world, He loved them [and continuously loves them with His perfect love] to the end (eternally).

-John 13:1

But what I'm trying to point out is that John was really into details. He was deep and different. He had a deeper Revelation of Jesus than the other disciples.  It's likely the reason why Christ used him to pen the Book of Revelation. John had a Revelation of God's unfailing love revealed in Christ as he meticulously wrote His Gospel eyewitness account: "So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." -John 1:14. Again, John knew he was loved with an everlasting love and it freed him:

"Jesus Christ, He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding His blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God His Father. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen!"

John even stands in awe and amazement of God’s love as he writes, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”

-1 John 3:1. You can also sense some appreciation from John. I feel the same way, wondering why the Lord of all creation would set His love up-ON me…..?

Okay, so hopefully you get my point, thus far. John was really into details and KNEW that He was loved. You too, need to KNOW, without any doubts, that YOU ARE LOVED, forever.  God's love for you is eternal, undying,  unchanging, and incorruptible....

Next, John is writing to us from personal experience. This was both physical and spiritual experience. He writes about what he has heard, seen with his own eyes, and touched with his hands. He is referring to the Word Incarnate. God embodied in human flesh like ours. Namely, Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16 says that God was manifested in human flesh. This is what John is talking about. He was with God in the flesh for 3 and a half years. You can tell that the memory of Christ burned in his heart and mind as he reflected on the time spent he and the other disciples were with Him.

But the point of John's writing is to proclaim what he had seen and heard. To testify of Christ so that readers may also have fellowship with God themselves.  Because John's fellowship is with Christ, the other disciples, and the Father.

"We are writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be made complete [by having you share in the joy of salvation].-1 John 1:4 John wants all of us to be saved and to have eternal life through believing (John 3:16).

He wants us to enjoy fellowship with Jesus and other disciples/believers. I pray that reading this encourages you to become more intimate with God and passionate about sharing your faith. Or, maybe you don't believe yet. Well, know that God loves you and sent Christ to die for your sins of the cross. Three days later, He rose from the grave, defeating our greatest enemy, death itself! Yes, Jesus has power over death, hell,  and the grave, forever! He has all power! Limitless power!

"When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. And He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last [absolute Deity, the Son of God], and the Ever-living One [living in and beyond all time and space]. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of [absolute control and victory over] death and of Hades (the realm of the dead). -Revelation 1:17‭-‬18

John writes his detailed letters so that you may believe and have eternal life in His Name (John 20:31). Do not be afraid, beloved. Only believe.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, You are forever worthy of all the praise, honor, and glory. Thank you for your love and faithfulness. Thank you for Your patience and grace. May those who read this experience Your great love, personally and powerfully..... May they know and understand that You are God alone. You're able to save, heal, and deliver. You're able to turn any situation around. You are the God of all flesh, and there is nothing too hard for You. Father bless your people with peace, joy, contentment, and Christ-like character. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, oh God! Be exalted and magnified forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.