A recent read of 1 John and my mind became focused on two words – “so that”.
John used those words as he desired to provide assurance to our faith so that we live wisely and walk faithfully in God’s ways.
John tells us, testifies to us, like one would do in a court of law. He tells us that they indeed heard, saw, looked closely at and touched Jesus – the Word of Life.
John wants us to know that they did all of this personally. They were there and upfront witnesses. Nothing he is telling us is hearsay. John gives testimony to his physical encounter with Jesus, having seen Him and walked with Him and talked with Him. John also reminds us that the life of Jesus was manifested on this earth.
Circling the words “so that” in my Bible, I counted their appearance 7X. In so doing, the importance of each of those statements became lit up for me.
So that:
- “we may have fellowship” (verse 3)
- “our joy may be made complete” (verse 4)
- “you may not sin” (2:1)
- “it would be known they are not of us” (2:19)
- “when He appears, we may have confidence” (2:28)
- “you may know you have eternal life” (5:13)
- “we may know Him who is true” (5:20)
These words written to early believers are meant just as much for us today. John wanted to assure believers of the very One in whom we have placed our faith. He desired for our confidence in Christ to be established, stable, and unmovable.
By the time I finished reading John’s words, I thought:
“I am His, and He is mine!”
And peace filled my heart.
In a few days, those in the United States will have the responsibility and privilege of voting. Last week there were two posts which reminded us to pray for those in authority and for elected officials. Be sure to read “Pray for Everyone” by Lisa Blair and “Will You Be Thankful for Your Elected Officials” by Barbara Harper.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
I love that you highlighted those words to us Joanne & the emphasis they place on scripture. Thank you!
Blessings, Jennifer 😀
Oh, how I love it when little, seemingly inconsequential, words grab out attention and heighten our understanding. Thanks for this analysis!
Thank you, Joanne, for this important lesson at such a crucial time for our nation!
I love when you discover a word or a phrase that appears repeatedly in a passage or a book of God’s Word. He’s trying to say something and we are way too often slow to get it, receive it, live it. Thank you for these ‘so that’ invitations today, Joanne.
I love the syntax patterns within scripture like “so that” – it always helps me see the application more clearly for my life. Thank you for showing us that pattern today so that we walk through this day wiser and closer to God!
1 John 5:13 has long been a help to me, but I had missed the connection with the other “so thats.” They provide a nice thread through John’s epistle encompassing the Christian life–knowing God, forgiveness of sin, and fellowshipping with others who know Him.
Thanks for linking to my post about our elected officials.
Simple words make such a difference. Thank you for pointing to that truth, Joanne.
Thank you for highlighting that! I’d missed it.
Thanks for sharing, Joanne. No matter how many times we read a passage, we can always discover new things.
I loved your thoughts on “so that!” Isn’t it amazing how God can put a laser on a portion of a verse that we haven’t ever considered or noticed before? It was a blessing to visit with you today. Thank you for hosting the link-up and for your faithfulness to God.
It is incredible how we can read the Word of God repeatedly, yet He highlights something new as if it were our first time reading it. Thank you for this “new” glimpse today, and thank you for highlighting my post about prayer.
I never noticed the “so that” in 1 John before. How interesting. Thank you for pointing it out and thanks for the party.
I ♥♥♥ when simple words are the bridge in Scripture to bring us impact on what we are reading. And even more, I appreciate when either I discover something new, or someone points out something that I never noticed before. Thank you for sharing this with us. Such a blessing.
I’d never noticed all the “so thats” either, Joanne. Reading your list reminds me of the preacher who used to say whenever you see “therefore” in scripture, you need to see what it’s there for. (Was that Swindoll, maybe?) I love the Bible’s intentional use of words like this. Every one means something.
I do not know if Chuck Swindoll is the originator of that statement, but he was the one I heard it from the very first time 🙂 I have never forgotten it either, Lois and try to pay attention to those words.