FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2020
(Part 40)
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORDS
February 18, 2020
Today’s readings:
James 1:12-18
Psalm 94:12-19
Mark 8:14-21
God’s gives us His words to guide our lives so that our house can be built on the Rock that is Christ. God’s words are of tremendous value to us. Unfortunately, many do not listen to His words. For many who do hear His words, they do not listen intently enough to the Spirit speaking to them. So they do not understand what God is telling them. So they do not live out His words. So they build on sand.
Jesus told his disciples, when they misunderstood what he was saying about leaven: “Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?” (Mk 8:17b-18a). We do see the words of God in the Bible but do we really see? We do hear the words of God preached and taught, but do we really hear? And if we do see and hear, do we harden our hearts such that we do not act on God’s words?
God has a great plan for us. But we need to be able to see and act on His truths as expounded by His words. “He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (Jas 1:18). So God seeks to guide us and use us for His purposes. For this He gives us His words. “Blessed the one whom you guide, Lord, whom you teach by your instruction.” (Ps 94:12).
God’s wisdom and guidance do what for us?
* They deliver us from evil. His instructions are designed “to give rest from evil days” (Ps 94:13a).
* They sustain us in our daily walk, keeping us on the right track. “For the Lord will not forsake his people, nor abandon his inheritance.” (Ps 94:14).
* They lead us to what is right and just. “Judgment shall again be just, and all the upright of heart will follow it.” (Ps 94:15).
* They sustain us in the spiritual war that we are engaged in. “Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand up for me against evildoers?” (Ps 94:16). They help us attain the victory. “If the Lord were not my help, I would long have been silent in the grave.” (Ps 94:17).
* They keep us secure in God’s mercy and deliver us from evil. “When I say, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your mercy, Lord, holds me up.” (Ps 94:18). Though there will be temptations from the enemy, God’s words will help us overcome these. “Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.” (Jas 1:12).
* They give us joy in the midst of troubles and sorrows. “When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy.” (Ps 94:19).
Let us listen to and act on God’s words. Let the Lord Jesus not say to us, “Do you still not understand?” (Mk 8:21).
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