Garry spoke from Ps 119:129-136 this morning on the pre-eminence of God’s Word. Every word from God is a miracle word, something to marvel and wonder at; we stand in awe at all God says. Luke 4:22 shows us that people were constantly amazed by the things Jesus said – to the extent that when the temple guards were sent to arrest Him (John 7:46-47), they came back empty-handed, as it were, because ‘no man ever spoke the way this man does.’ God’s words are truly astounding.
God’s words are powerful words. He spoke and creation came into being (Gen 1), light overwhelming darkness. Moreover, the whole universe is sustained by His powerful word (Heb 1:3). God’s word is living and active (Heb 4:12). When Jesus spoke words of healing, people were healed; when He called forth the dead, they were raised to life. God’s word is God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16), carrying with it revelation and bringing wisdom to all who live by it.
God’s word needs to enter our lives and become part of the very fabric of the way we live. (Ps 40:7-8) We should not let it go in one ear and out the other, but should allow it to dwell within us, taking up residence, having the run of the house (see Col 3:15-16). It has authority over us.
When Jesus told Peter to let down the nets in a certain place, that made no sense to Peter all, but he responded in faith and obedience (Luke 5:4-5). We need to remember that God’s foolishness is wiser than man’s wisdom, and therefore we have to obey God’s word whether it makes sense to us or not!
Ps 119:136 reminds us that people have always ignored God’s word, a fact which causes us distress. Ps 51:9-13 reflects how David learned from his sin and wanted to teach others God’s word after he was restored. We all need to share what we have received from God’s word, allowing the streams of life to flow out from us. We do this by living according to the word (2 Cor 3:2) and speaking God’s word to all who ask us to give a reason for the hope we have (1 Pet 3:15). This should be done with gentleness and respect, with the utmost courtesy and meekness (we’re not to be pushy salesmen for God!) There is both a great ignorance of and animosity towards God’s word in today’s society, but as we prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to help us to sow the seed of God’s word in people’s lives, we can be confident that God will water that seed and make it grow, bringing forth a harvest in due time.