A World Without Form

Imagine a world without shape or form. A vast, uncharted darkness where no light has ever pierced. This was the realm that existed before time itself. An abyss of unfulfilled potential awaited a spark of transformation. Then, within this void, a spark ignited, a Primordial Force stirred.

God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:1). The Logos, the Word made flesh as described in John’s Gospel, surged forth, pressing a blueprint onto the fabric of existence. From the tiniest atom to the grandest galaxy, the Word’s creative power continues influencing and shaping our world.

The Timeless Question

Since the dawn of time, humanity has gazed at the stars, pondered the mysteries of nature, and grappled with questions about existence, desperately seeking to understand. This relentless drive – to uncover answers, to dispel the darkness of ignorance – may be seen as a reflection of the Logos itself. This force brought order from chaos and instilled a desire for comprehension.

Ancient Greek philosophers called it the Logos, the underlying principle of reason and order governing the cosmos. In many other cultures, we see similar ideas in creation stories and tales of a cosmic force that guides and shapes the world. For example, the Hindu creation myth describes a universe born from a cosmic egg, with Brahma, the Supreme Creator God, emerging from it. They believe Brahma created the universe and all living beings through his thoughts and speech. This concept is likely inspired by the Logos, the Omniscience that shapes reality through its creative power.

Even during the Enlightenment, when reason and scientific inquiry were prioritized, thinkers still recognized the vastness of the universe and the limits of human knowledge. This left room for awe and the continuing search for ultimate truth. Modern science, while revealing intricate laws of nature, still raises profound questions about consciousness, the origins of life, and our place within the cosmos.

Whether through philosophy, religion, or science, the search for the Logos reflects a fundamental human need for meaning. We long for answers that make sense of our lives and give us a sense of belonging in the grand scheme.

The Word Made Flesh

For centuries, philosophers, mystics, and seekers of all kinds pondered the Logos as an abstract or impersonal force. However, the Gospel of John introduces a revolutionary concept in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word [Logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This Word, this Omniscient force, became a person – Jesus Christ.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:1-5 (NKJV)

Jesus isn’t simply a wise teacher or a moral guide. He is the Logos, the Word, the force that gives form and meaning to existence. As John 1:1-5 beautifully states, Jesus embodies the Word that existed from the beginning of time, through whom all things were created. Through His very life and teachings, Jesus offered light within the darkness of confusion, bringing order and purpose.

This concept of the “Word made flesh” is profound. The Word made flesh is not an abstract concept but a living, tangible presence offering salvation and enlightenment. Jesus’ titles as “the Light of the World,” “the Bread of Life,” and “the True Vine” all reinforce His embodiment of the source of meaning and spiritual sustenance.

Jesus’ embodiment of the Logos offers hope and clarity within an often chaotic and confusing world. By following His example and opening our hearts to His message, we connect with the source of all wisdom that can guide our path and fill our lives with purpose.

The Blind Man’s Transformation

The Gospel of John (9:1-9) tells the story of a man born blind, living a life of isolation and despair. Cut off from his community, burdened with the belief that his disability was a curse, he existed in a world of perpetual darkness. Then, Jesus, the light of the world, entered his life. Jesus used mud, spit, and pure grace to heal the man’s blindness. However, the healing required the man’s obedience. He had to follow Jesus’ instructions, wash in the Pool of Siloam, and demonstrate a basic level of faith.

Throughout Scripture, blindness is a metaphor for a lack of understanding or spiritual insight. The blind man’s story speaks to how we sometimes stumble in the dark, seeking a guiding beacon. Jesus offers this light, this ability to see with new eyes, not just physically, but with transformed hearts.

The blind man’s healing represents the Logos in action. Just as He brought order to the primordial chaos, Jesus brought sight to the blind man’s disordered world. This miracle demonstrates the power of the Word made flesh to heal, clarify, and guide us toward a deeper connection to God.

Questions for Reflection:

• Have you ever felt spiritually lost or blind? What brought you out of that darkness?
• How did you first encounter the transformative light of Christ in your own life?
• How can we cultivate a more robust trust and obedience in our spiritual journeys?