That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life… we proclaim also to you…
1 John 1:1:2:2
I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, but I have only looked at pictures. I’ve always wanted to see Jerusalem, but I can only read about it in books.
Have you ever tried to take pictures of something amazing, like mountains or a storm or a sunset? I remember the first big vacation trip my family ever took. I was about 14. My dad got a bonus. And we all flew down to Orlando for a long weekend at Disney. I had a Kodak Pocket camera, and I went crazy with it. I shot several rolls of film, capturing the plane, the hotel, the palm trees, a lizard, and lots of pictures of Disney rides.
Oddly, when I looked back years later at all those rolls of photos, I valued very few. In fact, I threw most of them away. They were only faded pictures of buildings and things. But pictures of my family, a photo of my father on a park bench, a shot of my youngest brothers making faces, those had value.
John wants to share his experience with you. We would love to have photos of ancient Jerusalem, or an image of what the cross or the empty tomb really looked like. But John says that he can share something more precious than tourist memories. “That which we… have touched with our hands,” the person of Jesus himself is what John shares.
When we read the words of Jesus’ apostles, we are hearing from those who saw, heard, and touched our Savior. And they are able to bring us close to him because he lives in them.
How have you seen Jesus’ work in your life? When did you hear words that moved you? How have you touched the body of Christ, or how has Christ touched you? And more importantly, how can you proclaim what you have seen and heard to others?
Prayer: Dearest Savior, thank you for those who shared what they saw and heard and touched. Lord, move me to speak with joy of your work in my life. Amen.