Words have been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the words “See Dick run” at the bottom of the school-book page. Reading and writing came easily to me. (Not so much with the ‘rithmetic.)
Many years later, I would attempt to major in some of the sciences, but I seemed inevitably drawn to a major in English with a concentration in writing. (Yes, that had something to do with the ‘rithmetic.)
This occurred despite it being made abundantly clear that, although being a writer is considered “glamourous” by some, 99.99% of writers definitely do not make a lot of money. I believe the exact words were something to the effect of, “So, you want to be a writer? Well, be prepared to live under flat rocks and eat bugs.”
I suppose that’s because we live in a world where words are common and almost anybody can put words on a page.
And that’s where the Bible is different.
The Bible goes way beyond what mere human beings are capable of in terms of words on a page.
As a writer, I am amazed and astounded by its complexity, the uniformity of its symbolism and metaphor, its cohesiveness, its depth, its breadth, and the timelessness of this, the greatest book ever written. Nothing compares to it.
While the Bible is fascinating and miraculous to me as a writer, it’s overwhelming, astounding, and breath-taking to me as a Christian. In other words, it’s not the words in themselves or the way they are arranged, it’s the power behind those words.
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 KJV)
That’s a familiar verse to many, but I recently stumbled across this verse about His Word:
Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29 ESV)
Indeed, it was the fire in His Word that convicted me when my life had slipped into sin and broke my heart of stone. It was His own Word that brought me back to Him.
When I was fearful, it was His Word that told me that I have nothing to fear, even if I should walk through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4)
When I was confused by all the differences in doctrine and theology, it was His Word that reminded me to keep the main thing the main thing. (Matthew 23:24)
When my heart was broken by the death of a loved one, it was His Word that assured me we would be reunited. (John 3:16)
When I doubted my faith, it was His Word that assured me the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life is an absolute guarantee of my salvation. (Ephesians 1:14, 2 Cor. 1:22, 2 Cor. 5:5)
When I have been tempted, it is His Word that assures me there is always a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
When the news of the world seems overwhelming, it is His Word that assures me we shall overcome. (1 John 4:4)
After all, it is His Word that created the universe and every good thing in it, simply by speaking it into being. (Genesis 1) It is by His Word that we live. (Matthew 4:4)
It is His Word that is the sword we carry into the battle against the enemy of our souls. (Ephesians 6:17)
His Word is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing soul and spirit, cutting to the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
And, it is His Word in the living person of Jesus Christ that became flesh and walked among us, bringing us new life and light and which will never be overcome by the darkness around us. (John 1: 1-4, 1 Peter 1:23)
It is that Word which goes out over the air from Kinship Christian Radio every day, 24 hours a day.
And it is undoubtedly the right Word.
To God be the glory!
Today’s Praise
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17 ESV)