MORE THAN WORDS
The Word of God is more than just words. In the words of the author of Hebrews,
For the word of God is alive and active. 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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12,13)
The Word of God is a reference to the 66 books that are widely accepted to be the inspired text or the canon that constitutes the Bible. Contained therein is a reflection of God’s character and his nature that has been condensed into language, giving us a text. Hence when we read the Word of God, it is ‘alive’ and ‘active’.
Being alive refers to the fact that much like the character of God, his Word is not static. Just like a seed grows into a tree, while all the time retaining the genetic code, the Word can grow, all the time retaining its code and character. Much like anything else that is alive, the Word is alive in the sense that it can respond to variables within us. Consequently the Word is active and effects changes within a person. The ability of words to effect change on its reader depends on the author, the style of language and the relevance of the text. The Bible is the very breath of God and its impact has been unparalleled in history precisely because its author who is infinite appeals to our innate needs with unmatched authenticity.
The Word is described as a double-edged sword. A double-edged sword cuts both ways and we intake the Word of God using the mental faculties of our soul, it cuts through the deeper spirit of man and also the more superficial soul, making an impact that is transformational from deep without. The ability of the Word of God to change a person is truly miraculous and it is commonplace for those who read and meditate on the Word to see bondages break, darkness melt and false philosophies crumble under its onslaught.
Being an outflow of the nature of God, it constitutes the perfect standard by which all other attitudes are judged and measured. For modern day society where rules for living are unfortunately re-written everyday, there is no better standard for man to live by than the Word of God. If we wish to maintain our sanity in a world of fluid morality and ambiguous standards, the Bible alone is our recourse. Being finite- infinite beings, we sense that death is not the end; and if in eternity, beyond death, we are going to be judged by the Word of God, it makes sense to live by it today.
The Word is more than just words and only one who has read it can attest to that. The greatest critics of the Bible are those who haven’t read it or scarcely read it, because one who has taken time to read with on open heart will not fail to be transformed by it.
