Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
Have you ever thought about the difference between some words and others? I recently came across a verse in the Old Testament that made me think about this. Moses has just finished reading God’s law out loud to the Israelites when he concludes by saying, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you – they are your life.” (Deuteronomy 32:45-47)
THEY ARE YOUR LIFE. There is definitely a difference between some words and others. “Please” and “Thank You” are pretty useful. “I love you” is definitely important to share and wonderful to hear. “I’m sorry” can get you out of a sticky situation. But imagine going to a doctor and hearing the words, “you have a blocked artery and unless I operate immediately you are going to die.” These words may be the most important you have ever heard because listening to them can save your life.
In the New Testament Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) According to Jesus, there is something more to us than our physical, temporary lives on earth. There is a spiritual being within us all that will never end. Our bodies die, but our spirits live on. Where our spirits spend eternity depends on our response to God’s Word. If we believe His Word is true and place our complete trust in Christ then we will spend eternity in the presence of God’s indescribable goodness…a place the Bible calls heaven. If we reject the message of God’s Word we will spend eternity in the absence of all God’s goodness…a place the Bible calls hell.
Some words are useful and some are important, but only the Word of God can rescue a person’s soul from hell and reward them with heaven. Listen to God’s Word. Meditate on and study it. Bury it in your heart and mind. Trust and obey it. Live and share it. It will save your eternal life.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Mark 13:31
GOD OF TRUTH, THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME YOUR WORD. IT IS LIFE TO ME! EVERY DAY I WILL READ AND MEDITATE ON YOUR WORD AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR MYSELF AND FOR THOSE AROUND ME. HELP ME TO LEARN IT AND KNOW IT AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS. MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, HELP ME TO LIVE IT!