How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore, I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
Psalm 119:103-106 NIV
The importance of the spoken word of God in the Bible cannot be overstated. From the first line in the creation story in Genesis to the last words in John’s Revelation, the power and glory of God’s spoken word is paramount in forming the present world and shaping the world to come. With only four words (two in Hebrew), God brought the galaxies into existence, causing them to shine amid the empty darkness of the universe. (Genesis 1). Through the spoken word, he brought order and design to chaotic darkness. Just image what his word can do in our lives?
In Jesus, God’s word became flesh and brought truth and grace into view for all humankind. The spoken word became the living word, a word of eternal life and unshakable hope to a world broken by rebellion and fear.
David compared God’s word to light given off by a lamp and to the sweet, satisfying taste of honey. Something both desired and needed; guarded and valued; prized and praised. The entire 119th chapter of Psalms is dedicated to the Word of God. There are more references to God’s word than there are verses in this, the longest chapter in the Bible.
God’s word is a source of nourishment and joy for those who read and treasure it. It brings wisdom and provides guidance like nothing else. Why do we not read, study, and meditate on it more often? God’s admonition to young Joshua was, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)
Jeremiah’s testimony is worth noting: “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” (Jeremiah 15:16) Jesus resisted the devil’s temptation to turn stones into bread with these words: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)
One of the most impressive stories in the New Testament related to the capacity of God’s Word to transform lives is found in Luke 24:13-36. In this story, Jesus appeared to two disciples who were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus after his resurrection. He joined these two discouraged disciples as they discussed the events surrounding the crucifixion and their confusion over the empty tomb. Jesus patiently expounded the Scriptures to them, helping them understand why their Messiah had to die and rise from the dead. After traveling together for hours, they sat down with Jesus to eat the evening meal. When Jesus offered the blessing, their eyes were opened, and they realized the stranger who had accompanied them most of the day was the risen Lord Jesus. Immediately, he disappeared from their sight. Overjoyed with excitement, they exclaimed: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)
Prayer: Father, I desire and delight in many things throughout the day. I must confess, some days, your word is not one of them. Forgive me when I rely on bread alone to sustain me. Create in me a deep craving for your word and burn my heart as you did the two disciples on the Emmaus Road. Thrill me with the satisfaction of hearing you speak through the written word, and let those words expound and glorify the “Living Word” who abides in me.
Encourage_ 