God's word - 1st week saturday 2015

The word of God is not just a sound or a combination of sounds that produces in our minds meaning.  In the Hebrew language God’s word is different from man’s word.  God’s word is dabar, it is an active, productive, creative force.  In the book of the prophet Isaiah God’s word is compared to rain or snow which falls to the earth.  Before it comes back to the heavens it has already watered the earth, making it fertile and productive thus giving men the means for nourishment.  God’s word will not return empty.  God’s word will produce its intended effects.

It is also a two-edged sword.  It is a two-edged sword because when God’s word is heard it brings grace and favour or it brings with it condemnation; it brings blessings or it brings correction and censure.  Let us never underestimate the power of God’s word and what it can do to us..

Another thought in the letter is the person of Jesus as high priest – he is not distant or cold but he has sympathy for our needs because he himself knew how it is to be human.  That is why he is able to sympathize with us.  Thus unlike the people of the Old Testament we can approach the Lord not in fear and trembling but with confidence.