At the beginning of the year, Pastor Jim made available a daily reading plan, that if followed, would take one through the entire Bible this year. Many of you took the challenge and we are being blessed by the reports coming from you as to how the LORD is speaking to you.
I thought I would develop a meditation that would encourage you as you read. I have often thought of a statement made by Napoleon many years ago – “The Bible is no mere book. It is a living creature.” That was his way of saying that “The Bible is Alive.”
In Hebrews 4:12, we read, “For the Word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.” We read in this verse that God’s word is ‘living and effective.’ Some translations use the word powerful. The Greek word for powerful is the one from which we get the English word energetic. The writer wants us to know that God’s word is intense, vibrant energy and activity. Listen to Jesus describe the WORD in John 6:63, “The words I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” He was God in the flesh so His words carry a lot of weight, Jesus is God speaking to us.
The Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:13 wrote – “For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is truth, the WORD of God, which also works effectively (powerfully) in you who believe.” Folks, when you read what Paul wrote, how can you/we be casual or indifferent about God’s word! Every time we open the Bible, the Creator of heaven and earth speaks to us.
A. Our Response to God’s Word Will Determine the Impact of God’s Word in Our Lives.
The Apostle James put it like this, 1:21, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness (naughtiness), and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James is very clear – if our lives are cluttered up with filthiness and naughtiness or wickedness, God’s word will not make much of an impact on our lives. The word filthiness has in mind a perverse delight in that which is licentious or impure. God’s word is pure and holy. How could we possibly think that we could harbor it and that which is impure and have God’s favor or His word be effective?
The word “naughtiness” has the idea of a child that refuses to accept instruction. He/she may argue or answer back. God’s word is not likely to bear much fruit in this kind of life. In Romans 9:20 we read, “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply (argue) against God?” In Job 40:2 we read, “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it.”
James says that the life that will flourish is the one who receives God’s word with meekness. This person portrays a spirit of quietness, humility, sincerity, patience, and openness of heart and mind. If you and I have these qualities we will come to the LORD with an attitude of reverence and respect.
The Psalmist describes this in such a meaningful way –
“Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore, He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches in His way…
Who is the man that fears the LORD?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses…
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.” Psalm 25:8-9,12,14
B. Do you want to receive instruction and blessing from God through His word? Then meekness and reverence are essential to receiving what God wants to make known to you.
One translation of Hebrew 4:12 says that God’s word “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s word has the ability to bring out into the open (reveal) the inward nature and character of those who hear and receive it. How would you feel if some Sunday morning you are sitting in church and the Holy Spirit took a cat-scan of your heart and mind and projected it on the screen? The truth is my brother or sister, there isn’t anything in your heart or mind that escapes the all-seeing eyes of our God.
In Matthew 9 we read about Jesus telling a paralytic, “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.” In verse 3 we read, “At this, some of the scribes said among themselves, “He’s blaspheming!” Then in verse 4 we read, “But perceiving their thoughts”, Jesus said, “Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts?” He knew what they were thinking and beloved, He knows what you and I are thinking or harboring in our hearts. What we are thinking or harboring in our hearts could be hindering “the energy of God’s word in our lives.” Beloved, we can’t afford that.
For His glory,
Leonard
