The Plan Accomplished
A devotional thought from Keith Whitfield for “The Incarnation”
In this session we discover that God takes action and makes provision for changing us: “But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).
The Old Testament looks beyond itself as a solution to recover the hearts of humanity for their intended purpose. The promises and provisional solutions of the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament.
John wrote that God sent the One who created all things, who has the power to overcome our sin, and for whom all things were created. Jesus breaks into our world to redirect us. John 1:14-18 says “the Word became flesh and took up residence among us” so that He might reveal God to us.
This redirection comes not from judgment but from grace: “For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:17).
God restores His covenant with His people by demonstrating His faithfulness. John described the grace that redirects in a beautiful way—“grace after grace from His fullness” (John 1:16).
How do you seek change in your life? With will power and determination? Fear of consequences? Drive for success? God seeks change through a new birth in “grace and truth” (John 1:17). In this way, we encounter the goodness of God, and it changes our hearts.
Pause and Reflect
• Take a moment to consider when and how your faith has been strengthened recently. How does this encourage you to obey God’s Word?
• What response does the phrase “grace after grace from His fullness” evoke in you?
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