The Wonderful Word of God

In her book, Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus, Lois Tverberg retells the following story about a famous first century rabbi named Rabbi Akiva:

One day as Rabbi Akiva was shepherding his flocks, he noticed a tiny stream trickling down a hillside, dripping over a ledge on its way toward the river below. Below was a massive boulder. Surprisingly, the rock bore a deep impression. The drip, drip, drip of water over the centuries had hollowed away the stone. Akiva commented, "If mere water can do this to hard rock, how much more can God's Word carve a way into my heart of flesh?" Akiva realized that if the water had flowed over the rock all at once, the rock would have been unchanged. It was the slow but steady impact of each small droplet, year after year, that completely reformed the stone.

We have seen the character of the church in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1: 3-10). Specifically, their faith, love and hope, and their worthy example to others in Macedonia and Achaia. To some degree, the condition of the church may have been due to the diligent and caring nature of Paul's ministry while with them (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12).

But it could not have happened without their willingness to receive the word of God (as preached to them by Paul, Silas, and Timothy); which they received as the word of God which worked effectively in them (1 Thessalonians 2:13). In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, we are reminded of the effectiveness of God's Word for those who believe it.

What I would like to do here today is expand upon this thought in order to increase our appreciation for, and reception of, the Word of God in our lives.

Let's begin with the effectiveness of God's word. It is living, powerful, and able to discern. In other words, the word of God is no dead letter (Hebrews 4:12)! It produces faith. As we hear or read it, it is able to develop faith in our hearts (Romans 10:17). This it does through the evidence it presents (cf. John 20: 30-31). God's word has the power to save. This is accomplished because it contains the gospel, which is able to save our souls (James 1:21)!

Following are some additional benefits of the effectiveness of God's word... It causes one to be born again (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:22-23). It is the key to spiritual growth. We grow by virtue of the word of God (1 Peter 2:2). God's word helps to overcome Satan.  John praised young men who overcame Satan through the Word of God (1John 2:14).

Of course, Jesus overcame Satan by appealing to the Word (Matthew 4:1-11). His word possesses the power to sanctify (Psalm 19:7-11; John 17:17). And it preserves both young and old (Psalm 119:9; Acts 20:28-32). By now, it should be pretty obvious that there are many benefits associated with the wonderful Word of God!

However, in order to acquire the full benefits, God's word must be properly received.

a) It must be received with faith (1 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 1:17; Hebrews 4:2)
b) It must be received with meekness (James 1:21; Psalm 25:9)
c) It must be received by doers, not just hearers (James 1:22-25; 1 Peter 25:9)
d) It must be fervently desired (1 Peter 1:22; Psalm 1:1-3)
e) It must abide in us (1John 2:14; Psalm 119:11)

In closing, We have to ask ourselves, "Is the living, powerful Word of God effective in our lives?" Is it producing faith, saving us by causing us to be born again? Is it producing spiritual growth, manifested by overcoming Satan, living holy lives whether we are young or old?

If the Word of God is not making a powerful impact in our lives, could it be that...

a) We are not receiving it with faith and meekness?
b) We are not receiving it with the intention of obeying it?
c) We have not fervently desired it, so that it can not abide in us?

If this is the case, then we haven't taken the Word of God seriously? We have treated it no differently than the word of men. May the church of the Thessalonians always serve to remind us how we ought to receive!

Prayer: Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord you are so good, so ready to forgive so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer O Lord, hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble and you will answer me.(Psalm 86) In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Bless you always,

Marilyn