POWER OF THE WORD: LIVING POWER
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.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
In Genesis 11, the story of the Tower of Babel accounts for the advent of multiple languages. Man, in his pride, bands together to build a tower to reach the footstool of the heavens, and God thwarts this endeavor by confusing the workers with different languages. How surreal would it be to be mid-conversation, suddenly unable to understand the other person because they’re speaking Mandarin?
The Bible was written in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Each of these languages is considered dead, meaning no longer spoken in the world (Aramaic being a possible exception in select communities). The chances of you walking by a person conversationally speaking ancient Hebrew with their spouse are slim to none.
Despite how many languages have come and gone or been transformed or absorbed into new languages, humanity still studies the ancient languages of the Bible. Secular scholars and observers would say it’s for historical purposes, but a believer knows the truth: God’s Word endures. It’s alive.
God is speaking into the hearts and minds of those who are receptive to Him. Lives are being changed, people are being transformed, and those who were dead are walking into life, into relationship with the God who speaks. He speaks in the world, the church, the people around you, and to you personally. What is He saying to you today?
APPLICATION: Is there an area of your life where you feel God has been trying to get your attention? Maybe it’s a pinprick in your conscience, a conversation that keeps popping up with people without your prompting, or a Bible verse that keeps coming to your attention. Thank God for speaking and ask to hear His voice clearly on whatever that thing may be.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for being a God who speaks. Your Word isn’t dead and distant but living and active. Help me remember that today and tune my ear to hear what You’re trying to tell me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?