Introduction
When you hear the phrase “The word of the Lord”, what comes to mind? Is it the bible, a sermon, or a prophecy? The phrase has been perceived and understood in different ways but for this reflection we would be looking at the word of the Lord as that ‘word or message’ which is presented in the bible. And specifically, the pronouncement of the word of the Lord as presented by several inspired writers in the bible.
The significance of this 2-worded phrase: “The word” cannot be overemphasized in the Christian journey. The word, as expressed in the bible, has several significances and beautiful interpretations in Christian life. This article would point out some of these expressions and descriptions of the word as presented in the bible. And ultimately, our goal is to share our experience on how the word of God is faithful.
The phrase the “Word of God” is presented or captured in several different expressions, phrases or words in the bible. These alternatives are used to express or replace the term “word” in the bible. Some of the other terms used are; commands, laws or precepts of God. All the related expressions are indications of what proceeds from the mouth of God. This sets the stage for our understanding of other similar expressions that do not necessarily use the term “word” but mean the same thing.
Another very important point we must state is that theologians have also explained that “the Word of God” is also “God”. What this means is that; what proceeds from the mouth of God is the authority, dictate, command, power and/or will of God, and can also be understood to be God or God in action. This lays the foundation of a simple interpretation of the biblical quote of Cf John 1:1-4
1 In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. 4 The Word was the source of life,[a] and this life brought light to people.
For Christians (and Non-Christians) who are open to the mystery of the Blessed Trinity, they may have a better understanding of the citation above as John the Apostle introduces Jesus in the gospel. In the citation above, Jesus is the Word, who is also God; He existed in the beginning. But that is not our focus today. We are only bringing you closer to the essence of “The Word” in our lives. This again points us to some interpretation or illustrations of what the word of God is to us. Now, let us look at some of these attributes or interpretations of the expressions “word of the Lord / the word of God”.
The world is shaped by the word of the Lord
In other words, the word of God is the shaper of our world. From the citation of John 1:1-4, we are brought to the realization that the world was formed or shaped by the word of God. A cross reference of this realization is from Genesis Chapter 1. We are introduced to the world being formed by God’s word as God makes his pronouncement, command or will. In Genesis 1:3 the word of God is let out:
3 Then God commanded, “Let there be light”—and light appeared.
And the rest is history, the world was fashioned, the earth took shape and was inhabited. And today I came to be. This should be our source quote. And why? That’s a beautiful question…
The word of God has always existed, be it as the 2nd person of the Trinity, or as the authority, command, dictate, or will of God. This word fashioned our world, is still fashioning our world, and would in the future after we are gone would still be a strong force in fashioning the world. This is because “heaven and earth may pass away but the word of the Lord would not pass away”. (Cf. Matthew 24:35) This gives us the nature of the word to exist before, now and after us. We are called to apply the word of God as a means to shape our life and reality. We are ultimately invited to learn to shape our future by applying God’s word! In order words, your knowledge of the word of the Lord is instrumental in creating your reality and shaping your destiny. Remember, that the world is shaped by the word of the Lord. Get to work, shape your world with the word of God!
In the beginning, when God created the universe,[a] 2 the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God[b] was moving over the water. 3 Then God commanded, “Let there be light”—and light appeared. 4 God was pleased with what he saw. Then he separated the light from the darkness, 5 and he named the light “Day” and the darkness “Night.” Evening passed and morning came—that was the first day.
Genesis 1:1-5
The Word of God is Food and Life
I was tempted to separate the essence of the word of God as food and as life. However, considering that food is necessary for life and surprisingly, the bible teaches us that the word of God is of more value than food to sustain our life. Here below are some extracts from the bible bringing our attention to this.
Deuteronomy 8:3
3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
Matthew 4:4
4 But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.’”
John 6:51
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
Hebrew 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
1 Peter 1:23
Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
To sum up the above quotations, we can deduce that the word of God itself is alive, it’s living, it’s active and can give life! It nourishes, feeds and gives life. At some point in history, Jesus (the word of God), gave himself that we may have life and have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
“I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.”
The word of God has more attributes, let us take a look at another attribute that tells us what the word of God is…
The Word of the Lord is Power and Assurance
Another attribute of the word of God is that the word of God is power and gives assurance. It provides vision and direction. The word of God gives light to our path, and give us hope. The word of God has the power to pierce hardened hearts and give them assurance of God’s love. Let us again meditatively pray along with the biblical references below.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
2 Peter 1:20-21
Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.”
2 Timothy 3: 14-17
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalm 19: 7-11
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Luke 11:28
But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
The verses and extracts of the bible above has done more that I could ever explain on how the word of God is a source of power and assurance. It is an insight to our souls and directs us unto every good work. It’s so beautiful to know that it is alive and active and not just some dead text that is read and regurgitated for oncoming generations. The word of God is relevant to every nation & generation. The next section would be looking at the attribute of faithfulness.
The Word of the Lord is Faithful
I spoke earlier of the word of God being relevant for generations, this is so true because the word of God is faithful. The word of the Lord can be trusted and depended on. For God is not a man that he should lie. Now, let us prayerfully go through the following biblical references and re-awaken our trust, love and dependence on God. Because the promises of God endures forever.
Psalm 12:6
And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.
Numbers 23:19
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Psalm 111:7
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
Isaiah 55: 10-13
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.
Psalm 19: 7-11
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 33: 4-11
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Conclusion
Let’s begin our conclusion by reminding you of the words said specifically about his words: the word of the Lord being faithful in Matthew 24:35
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
What more can we add to Jesus’ testament about his word being an assurance and everlasting.
We went through a few attributes of word of God. There are many other attributes we didn’t capture. However, which of the attributes above resonates to you the most? You can comment below.
Basically, the word of God is the means through which God, our loving father relates to us. It is God’s way of directing us, assuring us, correcting us, presenting his plans for us (to us) and telling us that he loves us. What other way would God relate to us asides using word; his words. Ultimately, the word of God became flesh (Jesus), came to earth to die, to make this statement of love ever visible to us.
Hence, what is the soul message of the word of God… it’s simple – Love! The love of God is the soul message of the word of God … For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son… In other words, out of God’s love, he gives his word! As we conclude, I leave you with 2 citations from the bible for you to meditate upon. Shalom!!!
Psalm 95:7
Today, if only you would hear his voice, “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah
John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.