Father, Your word is alive and active! Your word is true and indescribable. I seek to know You, to believe upon You, to accept You, and become a child of God!
Series Focus: “Thy Kingdom Come”
“Because I said so,” was never a popular response in my home. When my mom said it, I cringed, and when I said it, my daughters detested it. Why? Probably due to the fact that it didn’t feel like a real reason. Honestly, it was usually a response made out of exhaustion from being asked the same thing over and over. After all, shouldn’t my words hold enough weight for my request to be completed?
Yet, our words do hold some power. Some build others up while others tear down. Words may bring comfort or bring pain. Have you ever wanted to take something back the instant you spoke it? Had a moment of regret for missing out on a chance to encourage another?
What if everything you spoke actually happened? Would your words accomplish great things, or would they be destructive? Do you think you would be more careful in how you used your words if they yielded that much power? Maybe our responses wouldn’t be so quick? Fortunately, there is only one man whose words hold this indescribable power, and that man is Jesus Christ.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)
What does this verse mean by – His word is alive? It means scripture is God’s Living Word. His word carries the power of life, and the power of transformation. His word is active in us until our very spirit and soul, joints and marrow are divided or parted; that is, until death. Did I say indescribable yet?
Believing Jesus is the Messiah, and, that His words transform us and are the same today, tomorrow and forever, are truths we must understand as we continue to dig into what He says about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Let’s visit a Roman Officer, in Matthew 8, who needs a “big favor” from Jesus.
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. (Matthew 8:5-8 NLT)
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour. (Matthew 8:10-13 NLT)
The Roman officer pleaded with Jesus. I don’t know about you, but the only time I plead with anyone is if I am desperate, and I believe the person I am beseeching, is capable of fixing my problem. This officer demonstrated remarkable confidence in the authority and power of the spoken word of Jesus.
He knew Jesus would heal his servant. With all his heart he knew it. In fact, because he believed so incredibly upon Jesus’ ability, the officer told Jesus that only His word was needed. Jesus didn’t even need to be in the same place as the sick man. Only say the word and he would be healed. Oh the faith! Are you stirred up yet?
Jesus was amazed. He was so moved by this centurion’s belief, He revealed — that not only will there be Israelites in His kingdom, but also Gentiles from across the world! From the East to the West. Can you feel the emotion? Do you understand the importance of this statement? What Jesus speaks is truth. He never lied. He never sinned. He never deceived. His words do not come back void! He welcomes all of us into His kingdom when we believe.
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 9:12 NLT)
Oh what a glorious banquet it will be. To sit at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — and the Roman officer. The Living Word of God is alive today. He still keeps His promises. He is still at work in our lives. And He is still Sovereign over all His creation.
Do you believe His word is powerful? Will you trust Him to transform you, and complete His work in you? Will you sit at His table in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Have faith to believe who Jesus says He is, accept Him, and you will join Him as a child of the Most High God. May Jesus be amazed by our faith!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 8:5-8, 10-13; John 1:1-12; Isaiah 55:11