The Word of God
This article is the second in a series describing how God changes us from spiritual infants into fully mature spiritual adults who are able to successfully pursue and accomplish God’s purposes. Previous articles in this series are always available at http://www.webbweekly.com.
The goal of my writing today is to inspire you to access the powerful transforming grace God has made available to us in His Word.
Alive and Powerful
When we think of the Word of God, we correctly think of the Bible. It is the most amazing book — unlike any other on earth. The apostle Paul referred to it as “God-breathed.” See II Timothy 3:16. We see this same terminology used when God created Adam and Eve and He breathed into them the breath of life. See Genesis 2:7. God has breathed life into the Bible. It is a living and breathing document. The writer of Hebrews calls it “living and active.” See Hebrews 4:11-12. Paul describes it as “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” See Romans 1:16-17.
God Himself describes the power of His Word in Isaiah 55:11,
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Because the Bible is alive and powerful, it has the miraculous ability to speak to us in every stage, age, and circumstance of life. I have been reading, memorizing, meditating on, and teaching from this book for over fifty years — yet it surprises me with something new every day. The only explanation for such an amazing book is that it is alive and powerful.
Jesus encourages us to hunger for it and consume it daily, just as we do food. See Matthew 4:4. The Word of God is our spiritual nourishment, and if we think we believers can live without it, we are fools. So much of today’s spiritual malnourishment and immaturity is the result of believers who do not consume the Word daily. The psalmist understood:
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips, I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” Psalm 119:9-16
Logos
“In the beginning was the Word (logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John 1:1-2
“The Word (logos) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
The Greek word logos is translated as Word in John 1. Logos is a very special word. It is defined as words that embody principles, concepts, or ideas.
When Jesus came to earth, He arrived as the “Word become flesh.” He embodied things about God that, up to that point, had been mostly abstract — grace, mercy, truth, sacrifice, power, holiness, love, meekness, forgiveness, submission, and servanthood.
In Jesus, these words took on flesh — and the abstract became tangible. Not only could we hear the Word, but we could also see it and touch it. He brought those words to life.
Consider the word forgiveness. It is an important word in our faith. Consider how Jesus changed our understanding of that word when He cried out from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” See Luke 23:34.
Forgive them? The very people who had tortured Him with punches to His face, a crown of thorns beaten onto His head, a severe whipping, and ultimately the painful execution on a cruel cross? Really? Friend, whatever I may have thought of that word, Jesus forever changed it by becoming forgiveness in the flesh.
You and I have the awesome privilege of full access to the Word of God. Technology has made the Word more available today than ever before. If we’re not consuming it daily, then we will have much to answer for at the judgment seat of Christ. If you claim to be His follower, then I strongly urge you to consume His word constantly. Without it, you will be spiritually lukewarm. Here’s what Jesus had to say about that problem:
“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear so that you can cover your shameful nakedness and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they will be with me.” Revelation 3:14-20
To hear His voice, you must read His Word. Do it today — and tomorrow — and every day for the rest of your life. It has the power to transform you!
