The Word of God

https://odb.org/MY/2022/12/24/the-power-of-gods-word

Isaiah 55:11 is the Scripture preachers hold on to whenever we minister from the pulpit, trusting that the message as preached will accomplish the work God had set out for it to do in the hearts of those who hear it, touching and changing lives. The verse reads: “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty (void) but will accomplish what I desire and will achieve the purpose that I sent it”.

There is power in the name of Jesus, in the sense that demons tremble and flee at the name of Jesus. There is also power in the Word of God as read and spoken. Because Jesus is the Word, and He was with God at the beginning (John 1:1). The power of the Word can be seen in Genesis 1 when the LORD created the world and all that is in it, just with His Word. He said it, and it came into being. That is why some churches make it a point to read Scripture during their worship services, believing in the power of the Word, to heal and cause transformation from within us. I also make it a point to read the Word of God out loud whenever I am tasked to preach, believing in the power of the spoken Word.

But of course, in preaching, we need to focus and dwell on a text lest we digress too much from the message the Lord has planted in our hearts to speak. A sermon must always have a message from God to the congregation, a message that is current and contemporary to our situation, the happenings in our lives, and the life of the church. Both the logos and the rhema aspects of the Word are equally important for teaching and edification of the brethren. The message in the context it was written but applied in the context of what we are going through; the written as well as the spoken Word.

What’s the message for us this morning? As we read the Word each day, gain the knowledge, even the revelation that the Lord bestows upon us as He opens our minds to understand the mysteries of His Word and opens our hearts to receive it. But do seek out what He is saying to us today so that our quiet time is a time He ministers to us as we worship Him. What is His still small voice saying to us, to our hearts of hearts? Can we hear Him? Will we listen and obey? Will we do as He says, as He guides and encourages? Knowledge is important, but application is more so, and necessary.

Blessed Christmas, everyone, and have a great and joyful Christmas Eve!