Today’s reading:
Psalm 119:134-144
“Your word is very pure: Therefore, Your servant loves it” (v. 140)
The “Word of God” are what God has said, referred to as “logo” and “rhema” in Greek language. It is a manifestation of the mind and will of God. It is the breath of God, his thought. It is the “Holy Scripture”. The Bible is called the “Word of God”. Apostle John in John 1:1,14 tells us that the Word was with God, and the Word was God – referring to Jesus, who became flesh and dwelt among mankind, He is the only begotten of the Father – God. The Word of God carries the creative power of the Spirit of God, as manifested at creation (Gen. 1:3-26). The Word of God is referred to by many words throughout the Scripture, such as: the Law, precept, truth, testimonies, commandment, ordinances, promises.
Some of the characteristics of the Word of God are: it is a revelation of God; it is pure; has creative power; it is Spirit and life (John 6:63); it is a two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12); reveals the future (prophecy); never returns void (Is. 55:10-11); it is God’s breathe (1 Tim. 3:16); flawless (Prov.30:5); judges the wicked; it endures forever (1 Pt 1:25, Lk 21:33); active and alive; loved.
It is instructive to examine one of the greatest and very beneficial characteristics of the Word of God – “Pure”. Pure means: free from dirt or impurity or defilement or contamination; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; uncorrupted; clean and unmixed.
For something to be “pure”, and to have the characteristics connoted by it s meaning, it must have been purified. Purification is the process of passing a thing through intense hot fire or water or a furnace. The scripture confirms in Ps. 12:6 that “the words of God are pure words, like silver tried/passed through a furnace of earth, purified seven times”. It is common knowledge that the purity of a thing increases the more it is passed through purification. For the Word of God to have been purified seven times, it means that it is indeed very pure! It indicates that it has been much tried (refined), tested, proven to be true and, therefore, pure, flawless and perfect.
The implications of the fact that the Word of God is pure are that:
It is dependable (unquestionable in quality and function).
It will carry out the purpose or function for which it is employed. For instance, it will confirm the word of Paul that it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).
It is enduring and will endure forever(1Pet.1:25)
It makes growth to happen, where it is desired (1 Peter 2:2)
Man shall live by every bit of it, because it is written that man shall not live by bread alone (Luke 4:4)
It is loved (by the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and by man) as pointed out in our Today’s reading v.140b.
It is a shield to those who put their trust in God (Prov. 30:5)
There is a warning that no one should add to the Word of God, especially because it is pure, lest God himself rebukes the person and he will be found a liar (Prov. 30:6; Rev 22:18). The fact that the Word of God is pure and has the foregoing implications should make us embrace it and live by it all our days on earth. It will be very beneficial to us as children of God in our Christian journey on earth.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, we appreciate you for your Word with which you created the world, and for continuing to uphold it and all that are in it.
Precious Lord, we thank you for being the Word that was made flesh and came to earth to redeem mankind.
Father, please let your word be all you have designed it to be in our lives.
Father, manifest your power through your word and use it to build the church.
Father, please use your Word to shape our nation.
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