A Meditation on the Nature and the Function of God's Word

A conversation with a beloved friend led me to this meditation. Reading the Bible—how we read it, when we read it, how much read it, study it, meditate on it, etc.--is one of the chief concerns of mine and my evangelical friends. Along with that, I confess (along with others) that reading of the Bible can sometimes turn into a dry routine. But is such a practice what God wants for His children?

I am not here to condemn patterned practices Bible reading per se; but presently, I submit to you that the word of God in any medium—reading, proclaiming, living—belongs not with dead religiosity. Oh how I have been deceived! The adversary would delight to have my readings be dry, and would eagerly condemn my conscience with fear that “I'm not reading enough” or “I'm not studying enough.” But here I submit to you that such thoughts (often even inappropriately called “convictions” by some) are not from God. Guilt, though a poor motivator it may be, is not our motivator. The only motivator for sons of God is “faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6). Perfect love drives out all fear, and such love has been reserved for the sons of God.

How then, shall you read the Word? Truly I say to you, only the Holy Spirit can teach you how. Only seek Him earnestly as you go to the Word; pray humbly that He will open your eyes to behold wonderful things from His law! If you are His child, He will not turn you away. He is free and available to all who seek Him. Isaiah says,

“Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters;

And you who have no money come, buy and eat.

Come, buy wine and milk

Without money and without cost.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread,

And your wages for what does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,

And delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1-2)

So then, what is God's word like in its nature? Jeremiah tells us,

“Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?” (Jer. 23:29)

Here God contrasts His very own word with that of the false prophets. Unlike falsehood and words of men, the word of God is like fire which burns through chaff. It reveals straw to be straw; it tests gold and refines silver. It is the hammer which breaks hearts of stone into pieces. It is powerful; indeed, it is the power of God unto salvation which changes hearts (Rom.1:16). God's word does not at all belong with dead religion and sad followers! Transforming almightiness is written upon it. Oh may that be of an utmost reality for me, and for you.

Here are some other things that God says about His word:

1. The word of God convicts the human spirit of sin. It is the living sword that cuts through our core. The author of Hebrews writes,

“Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:11-12).

If I have been persisting in disobedience, I need the word of God to cut me through. I trust that you have found that even in the deepest cutting, He is good! If not, I pray that you will find Him to be so. He is the loving, wise, and merciful Creator.

2. The word of God is the source of new life. It is the living, enduring, imperishable source of new birth (1 Pet. 1:23). Paul says faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17). It is the very fountain from which we drink our living water.

3. Even the Torah, the Mosaic law, was not a mere collection of stale sectarian words (as I often had thought). Indeed, we are told that it contained “living oracles” (Acts 7:38). Moses says,

“Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.” (Deut.32:46-47)

By living and observing the Torah—that is, our very favorite books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—the Israelites were to possess the promised land. What a thought!

4. The word of God is our God-given sword in our battle against the Devil and his forces in the heavenly places (“... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”; Eph. 6:17). I have read that many times before, but do I truly believe that? Do I take heed to the word of God as a soldier cherishes and sharpens his sword? Shall an enlisted solder not make use of his sword?

5. The word of God is the instrument by which Christ will judge the hearts of men on the last day (“...the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”; John 12:48).

And finally,

6. The word of God acts with distinctive purpose known only by God and power possessed only by God.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

And do not return there without watering the earth

And making it bear and sprout,

And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55:10-11)

May God show His word to be your life indeed.

Amen.