The Word of God, Part III

Psalms 23 is one of the most known chapters of all the Bible. In this Psalm we see deliverance from the shadow of death by leaning on the rod and staff. What is this rod and staff? In the Bible the rod or staff is a symbol of power. God's power comes from His word. He speaks and so it is. It is our faith on that word, despite our circumstances and limitations, that we can find comfort. A staff or rod is something that we lean on and helps carry us through. It is no mistake that Moses carried a staff or rod in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The rod or staff was used to show God's strength and power to Pharoah. Through this staff, Moses and Aaron indeed performed God's wonders. In the same way our faith in His word (no matter what the world may tell us) is the source of our peace, joy, and comfort.

God gave us promises through that word and the most important promise of all is eternal life to all who believe in Jesus Christ. It states in Revelations that when Jesus returns He will smite the enemies on the field of Armageddon with the rod of His mouth. God's word is eternal and the Bible even states it in the following verse.

Isaiah 40:8

8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, 
but the word of our God stands forever."

The Word of God, Part II

As we saw some examples in the last post (see below), the Word of God is very important to keep in front of us or be mindful of as we go about our daily tasks. Some of the examples given in the last post also show that by treating God's Word with great importance, we will be successful and greatly blessed by God.

In more verses than I could possibly share here, the bible often uses the term meditate. Then it follows with something amazing... day and night. How do you meditate on the Word of God day and night? Well, obviously we have to read it, memorize it, learn how to recite it to ourselves, and dwell on it's meaning as we go through our daily routines.

Is it possible that this is what Paul the Apostle was talking about when he spoke of renewing the mind? God is extremely important and should be treated as such. Sure, many people just simply hate him and as result, also hate his ways. It is amazing how unbelief is so embedded in hate. It is not about unbelief as much as an utter disdain and contempt for God. Unbelievers will not submit to his Word, his ways, his commandments, his authority, and they will not conform to his goodness. They just simply hate him. They don't want to see him or proof of him. To them, it is just simply hogwash. However, for us, we must be the exact opposite. He must be the most important thing to us. His Word actually says that He (God) is the word. If He is important than his Word is equally important. By reading his word more and more we get to know Him better and we learn wisdom about life and how to live it successfully. Oh, and don't get me started on the blessings that come as a result of honoring His Word like it was gold. I leave you with this scripture.

John 15:7-8
7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

The Word of God

How important do you think the word of God is? Well, I'd say since he created this universe and all that is in it with words from his mouth the words passed on to us should be extremely important. Let's take a look at some scripture.

Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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.

Psalm 119:72
The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Deuteronomy 30:11
11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

 15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Deuteronomy 11:18

18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.