Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound mystery of the Word of God, which became flesh and dwelt among us, urging believers to recognize Jesus Christ's presence in their lives. He illustrates how many, like the Pharisees, fail to see the glory of Christ right among them, often searching externally for what is already within. Waldvogel encourages a deep engagement with Scripture, asserting that the words of Jesus are spirit and life, capable of transforming believers into His likeness. He calls for a reflection on how the Word should manifest in our homes and lives, highlighting the joy and peace that come from embracing God's Word. Ultimately, he reminds us that true life is found in the Word, which is both a source of divine power and a means to behold God's glory.

Selected Verses: John 1:14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. II Timothy 3:16-17. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. John 6:63. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Opening: The mightiest, most marvelous mystery expounded: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.” Now I’d like to ask you, does the Word dwell among us? The same Word by which God spoke the worlds into being dwells among us. It does. And we’re often like the Pharisees and scribes: we’re looking in every direction and we don’t see Jesus Christ right within us, and right among us. I have a very quaint sort of a sanctified imagination that gives me little illustrations. One time, I saw a man standing on the street, and he was looking for his little dog. His dog got away from him. He was looking with all his might for his dog. I saw it; I watched him. And finally, he began to whistle. I can’t whistle like he whistled for the dog. He couldn’t see him, he was so far away. And all the while, his little dog was between his legs, looking to see what his boss was whistling for. And then I saw in a deep life book the fulfillment of it: Fare not abroad, my Soul, to win Man’s favoring smile or loving nod; Be still, be strong, and find within The Comradeship of God. Beyond is not the journey’s end, The fool goes wayfaring abroad, And even as he goes, his Friend Is knocking at his heart. Here they were looking for the coming of the kingdom of God, and the King was there. And where was He? Why, here was a long queue of publicans and harlots, bad people, thieves, murderers, drunkards, and they were all waiting for a chance to confess their sins and to be baptized and to be cleansed. They had heard the word of God preached by that mighty prophet, and the Pharisees and scribes were just kicking—just kicking and criticizing and whispering among themselves. … Selected Quotes: [Jesus] wasn’t different from all the others as far as looks was concerned; there was no halo over his head, and only John saw that dove descending upon Him. But, “we beheld His glory; the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” And where did we behold His glory? Well, “Where do you live?” And He said, “Come and see”—into a fly-infested hut, dark place. I’ve been in Palestine, and oh, how poorly are people living there! And here they came and they saw where He lived. And when they saw where He lived, how He acted, how He behaved Himself, how He talked, there was something different there. There ought to be something different in you and in me. There ought to be something different where we live, in our homes. Home is the place we love the most, and where we grumble the most! But I’m sure Jesus Christ didn’t grumble. … These golden pipes through which God sends the Holy Ghost power: “The words that I speak unto you are spirit and are life.” Jesus comes to me in His word—this simple word of God: the Sermon on the Mount, the Epistles that are written by the Spirit of the Living God—they bring to me the Son of God, they bring to me the word that created the heavens, and they’ll create in me the likeness of Jesus Christ, and I can “behold His glory.” And I’ll never see it any other place! … Beloved, life can only be communicated through life. Jesus Christ said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” Oh, I’m so glad that this Christ comes to me and is offered to me in this Testament, and I can come with boldness with this Testament and claim my inheritance, and it will be communicated to me—it will be mine. All the commands of Jesus Christ are offered of His divine nature, of His life. “These words have I spoken unto you that in Me, ye might have peace, and that ye might know…”—hallelujah—“that my joy might remain in you, and your joy might be full.” Why, these are unspeakable blessings! … We begin where God begins: “In the beginning was the Word.” Oh, that’s where we come from, thank God! My Father, in the beginning was that Word, and that Word was God, but: “the Word became flesh;” it dwells among us. Do you behold His glory? Is this wonderful word your daily joy? Oh, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was to me the joy and the rejoicing of mine heart, for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” It is so unspeakably wonderful! … Illustrations: Comments on modern false prophets. “‘The Lord spoke to me that somebody is going to read this page who has ten dollars in his pocket, and if he’ll send it to me, God will double that…’ You’d be surprised how many people fall for that kind of baloney.” (from 7:30) German at 4:16: Bescheidenheit ist eine Zier, doch weiter kommt man ohne ihr. — Literally, “Modesty is an adornment, but one amounts to more without it.” This is the equivalent of André Maurois quote, “Modesty and unselfishness—these are the virtues which men praise—and pass by.” References: Quo Vadis? by Myles E. Connolly Fare not abroad, O Soul, to win Man’s friendly smile or favoring nod; Be still, be strong, and seek within The Comradeship of God. Beyond is not the journey’s end, The fool goes wayfaring apart, And even as he goes, his Friend Is knocking at his heart.