Monday, July 6
The Word of the Lord
Today’s devotion builds on yesterday’s sermon. You can view the sermon
via this link.
“The Word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”
Acts 13:49
“They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples.”
Acts 14:21
“And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” Acts
14:27
Paul and Barnabas had been on the road for two years (46-48 A.D.) They travelled about 500 miles by boat and 900 miles by foot. They went to some familiar places and some new places. They encountered persons of peace and they encountered opposition. It was by all measures a very successful missionary journey. People believed, leaders were identified, churches were established.
What is not mentioned, but is obvious by “reading between the lines,” is that the only “tool
”
the apostles had for their task was the spoken Word. They simply told the story they knew to be true. They believed the Holy Spirit would work through the story. They trusted that the Word of God would have power. That the Word of God changed lives.
It is important to note that many other people of the day spoke as well. There were voices which spoke out for the Greek “gods” Hermes and Zeus. There were voices which spoke against Jesus Christ and upheld the traditions of the Jewish faith. But the Word spoken by Paul and Barnabas was inspired by God’s Spirit. Not all believed. But those who did accept Christ by faith, were eternally impacted.
The Word of God, inspired by the Spirit of God, is the power for believers today. Think about all the voices which speak in your life today. Not only are they many, but they are also diverse. Through the cacophony of these days, the Word of God brings comfort and hope. Through the ambiguous and imprecise messages there rings the clear Word of God. The Word of God, centered on Jesus Christ, is the Word of life for today, tomorrow and forever. It changes your life!
Prayer: Lord, keep me steadfastly connected to your Word. Fill me with your Spirit so that I discern your truth against the backdrop of confusion. Let your Word of hope flow through me to others everywhere, every day. Amen.
