Words are funny things. One person says “house” and listeners know generally what it means. But there are many types of houses, vastly different from one another, so the concept presented is far from precise. A picture may be required, several in fact. Even better would be to experience the place personally for a time.
Perhaps the most confusing word of all is “God.” Scripture states, “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.” Although preachers claim to have that figured out, it’s pretty abstract to an average guy like me.
The passage continues with something that makes more sense. “The word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (Born in a manger … his mother a virgin … most everyone knows the story.) Later, as an adult, this word-made-flesh was simply himself in the presence of all those paying attention, most notably a small band of followers who watched his every move and bombarded him with questions nearly 24/7 for more than three years. One of the names he was called is even more telling – Immanuel, translated “God with us.”
So what did the breathing, walking, talking word, who was God in our midst, reveal about the divine nature? Many pages have been written concerning that. Love, grace, mercy, service, and the like lead the way if you ask me.
The term “God” needs further illumination. Fortunately, he found a way to explain, living it out in full view, a word to be read by anyone so inclined.