WORDS!

Words. We use them every day. Sometimes too many. Sometimes too few. In turn we, with

our words, can stab someone with our anger or caress them with our love. They are

necessary to communication. So, what is a ‘word’? A “word” by definition is “a means of

communication whereby thoughts are transferred from one mind to another.” Powerful

things are ‘transferred’ by means of words. The first word in the Bible is from God himself,

“Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). And because they came from God, what was the result?

“There was light.” When God spoke, the universe was created, ravens fed the prophet Elijah,

a huge fish swallowed Jonah! So vital is this word, “word” that when God aimed to

communicate himself to man he did it with the Word, Jesus, the only begotten God (John 1).

And just as we often do not or will not hear words spoken to us, so many have not heard

God’s Word in the person of Jesus Christ. But it’s not for lack of speaking. The fault lay in

the hearing. Jesus warned us in Luke 8:18, “Be careful how you hear.” The gospel hinges on

hearing and believing. “But many of those who had heard the word believed.” (Acts 4:4) And

for the Christian, his life is marked by hearing that leads to action. “Be doers of the word,

and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)

OK, you say, this is fine. But what does it mean for me? Well, do you trust Jesus, the Word

with your money, your friendships, your depression and your fears? When you don’t get

your way, is your concern that God gets his? Do you look to Jesus Christ for counsel and

understanding? Do you trust him to satisfy your deepest needs when you might not even

know what those needs are? Do you see Jesus as the great promise-keeper? If he has

spoken will he not perform? This is very serious! Take your joy seriously! King Jesus,

although glorious beyond description has revealed himself to us on a level that we can

understand, namely in WORDS. So committed is he to this that he would have us call him

“the Word.” Never alone, he speaks to us! I close with this, “He has a name written that no

one knows but himself. … And the name by which he is called is The Word of God.”

(Revelation 19:12–13) Here is very good news. While masks covered our mouths a year

ago this month, Jesus’ mouth has never been covered. He speaks to you and me. Only be

careful how you hear!