Hebrews 11:3
“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things seen were not made of things which are visible.”
“Frame the year 2009 with the Word of God.” This was what Pastor Benjamin shared with the youth ministry at the beginning of the year. Now, at the halfway mark of 2009, it is good to remind ourselves that truly, the Word of God needs to be a priority in our lives.
Framing our worlds with the Word of God is more than just picking out a few verses as catchphrases for the year. We frame our worlds by immersing ourselves in the Word; letting God’s words breathe life into our own lives as we take the time to meditate on them. See, the Bible is not a static book of mortal man’s words. We have heard Pastor Benjamin say time and again, “The Word itself is anointed”; it has the power to bring even the impossible to pass in our lives.
However, if we were to be really honest with ourselves, we often fall into thinking that spending time in the Word is merely a “good” thing, and not necessarily something “needful”. So we start to prioritise other things before it – our studies need our attention; we’re too tired from a full day’s work; we’d rather relax by chatting online; we have to get something done for ministry first. The list of other more “important” things is endless.
And yet, when Jesus visited Mary and Martha, He commended Mary for doing the “one thing needful” – resting at His feet and letting Him wash her with His words. She knew that the best place to be was at Jesus feet, giving ear to whatever He had to say. Two thousand years later, things haven’t changed. The best place to be is still at Jesus’ feet, drinking in His words of life.
The Word doesn’t get more real than when we are in the middle of a personal storm. Haven’t we all been there before at some point in our lives? When all that is around us seem to be nothing but a disaster of crashing waves and howling winds. Well-meaning words of comfort from friends can only do so much, but the bible is steadfast in its promises. It is in times like these that the Word anchors us with shalom peace and an assurance that can only come from God Himself.
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The bible speaks of Jesus as the Word made flesh. When we spend time in the Word, we essentially spend time with Jesus Himself, and He is the one who speaks shalom to our circumstances through the words in the Bible. As we read (or listen) and meditate on the Word, we start to experience a sweet intimacy with our Saviour and discover His beauty and glory in increasing measure. We discover His perfect love for us and in turn, we fall in love with Him all over again.
In it, He speaks of His plans and purposes for us. He tells us of His unconditional love and unending grace in our lives. Precious nuggets of wisdom lie in wait to be discovered by us as we take the time to pore over His words of love. God has written all His plans for our studies, careers, relationships and families in the bible – everything we need to know about living the abundant, victorious life can be found in it.
If only we would realise that the Bible is essentially a compilation of love letters to us from God Himself. Pastor Benjamin was spot on when he said, “A love for the Word of God comes from knowing that the Word was written in love.”
Jesus, your Saviour, Shepherd and Lover has written you a letter. Go ahead, open it, and read His words of love for you.
- Rachel Leong
