Word of God

   When you hear the phrase “Word of God,” what comes to mind? Most of us probably picture one of perhaps several Bibles lying on our bookshelves, or on the coffee table, or next to the bed. It is a book that we consider to be Truth and that contains some stories, letters and teachings that we can apply to our lives, and some lists of names that we can’t pronounce and don’t understand. But what is the Word of God, really? Is it just a book that deserves a little more honor and respect than the rest of the books in the world, a book that we pick and read every night, several nights a week, or maybe only on Sundays? Now let me ask you this: when you read your Bible, do you ever think about the fact that God is speaking to you? God is speaking to you! Do you ever think about the power of God’s Word? I don’t mean the printed words on the page. I’m talking about the words that came from the mouth of God. This power is displayed most dramatically in the creation. “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light…and God said…” (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24,26). God spoke and things came into existence out of nothing.

   In John 1:1, 14 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…” We know this Word to be Jesus. Jesus was the embodiment of the power expressed through God’s Word during creation, and he himself was involved in creating the world (Colossians 1:16). Again we see the power of the Word in Jesus himself, when he speaks and people are healed and raised from the dead, the storm is calmed, and demons flee.

   So, how should we view the Word of God? As a guidebook, a list of rules, ancient history? Or as something much more? Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active...” God’s Word is not just a historical document that is interesting and useful for learning facts about what happened in the past. It is living and active. Another translation says, “See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work…” His words have purpose, and they accomplish what He intends them to accomplish. Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Hebrews 4:12 goes on to say, “Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” God’s Word has the power to penetrate the deepest parts of our being and to change our lives, if we allow it to.

   So, next time you pick up your Bible, think of it as more than a guidebook, a list of rules, or ancient history. Think of it as the Creator of the Universe speaking His words of truth directly to you. Think about sitting at the feet of Jesus, whose power as the Word of God not only healed, raised the dead, calmed raging storms and drove out demons, but also cleanses you from sin, saves your soul, and promises eternal life to all who believe and obey Him.

Jessica Adams