Jesus prophesied His own death several times during his
years with His apostles, but they did not grasp the reality of His predictions (John
13:31-32). Jesus was still a young man and they assumed they had
years of service still ahead with him. Jesus spent a great deal of time with
the apostles, speaking to them about what they needed to know before He left
them. They did not fully understand the meaning behind His words, however,
until after Pentecost.
When we hear God’s Word, we receive it with joy. The Word
of God will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). His Words are Spirit and give us
life (John 6:63). The word of God is living and powerful. Like a
surgeon’s knife, it penetrates into the deepest recesses of our soul – our
thoughts, choices and emotions - and removes the ungodliness present there (Hebrews
4:12). When He uses us to plant the seed of the gospel in fertile
soil, it springs forth with plentiful fruit (Luke 8:11).
Even the heavens and skies declare the glorious works of
God’s hands (Psalm 19:1). When I consider the size and
magnificence of creation, I cannot comprehend it. It is too magnanimous for me
to fathom. God uses this very creation to preach His gospel (Romans
1:18-20). Even in countries where missionaries have yet to preach,
the heavens are proclaiming God’s righteousness and the people see His glory (Psalm
97:6). If they refrain from believing His truth, it is only because of their
rebellion and pride (Romans 1:20).
If we hide God’s Word in our heart, we will not sin against
Him (Psalm 119:11). Every word of God is perfect and holy (Proverbs
30:5). We meditate on His precepts and respect His ways, which He
lays out for us in the Bible (Psalm 119:15). God breathed every word for our
inspiration, instruction, conviction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy
3:16). We stop and think before we say anything to anyone, and
speak only the sincere words, which God gives us to say (2
Corinthians 2:17; 1 Peter 4:11).
Prayer:
I meditate on Your Word all through the night watches. You
are my help, and I hide and rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings
to You for stability and comfort. You hold me up with Your powerful right hand (Psalm
63:6-8). You are my rock and You bring me true salvation. You are
my strong fortress, which prevents me from being shaken by the storms and
quakes of life (Psalm 62:2). The earth and sky will most
definitely be destroyed, but Your Word remains forever (Romans
10:8).
Thought for the Day:
The Word of God is always near us, in our mind and heart
and on our lips. – Romans 10:8