The Word can be a stumbling block for people’s understanding of God. That’s why Jesus said, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me” (Mat 11:6). Many times we come with expectations of how Jesus—the Living Word of God—should say things in Scripture, lead our lives, or answer our prayers. Sometimes, we need to hang on to our faith even when we may feel disappointed with the outcome. We have all been there and must remember we see in part, but God sees the whole picture (1 Cor 13:12).
Over the years, I have heard things like, “I don’t get it,” “It contradicts itself,” and even, “It was written by people, how can it be the Word of God?” We must understand the Word is supernatural and not of this world. God is Spirit. So, trying to wrap our finite knowledge around the infinite and omnipotent Lord is fruitless. The Word of God is for speaking spirits with souls that were created to carry his holy presence—believers.
The Word of God has been given to reveal the pure love of God and bring transformation to the whole fallen human race. If we feel guilty about something, the Word may place the weight [glory] there to help us repent and deal with the emotions that are hindering our relationship with God. If we feel convicted, the Spirit may be prompting us to stop sinning before we harm ourselves. And, sometimes we just don’t want to hear the Truth, because it’s painful to our souls. We seldom run to sacrifice or self-denial. “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).
In our passage this morning from the prophet Jeremiah, the Word of God comes to this young man to bring, love, encouragement, instruction, and power. It is not Jeremiah’s education that qualifies him to preach the Word of God; it is his willingness to listen and follow in order to reveal the Truth. God has put his Word in people’s mouths since the beginning of time. He does so with believers and he does so with unbelievers when it suits the purpose he has planned. God put his Word in Jeremiah’s mouth, because he planned to use him to bring truth to the nations.
God has put his Word in the heart of genuine believers—those who will listen and follow the Spirit. This is the call of the Church. When we spend time in the Word to gain understanding, it changes us and we are to share that experience with others. Not everyone is called to be a pastor, but every believer is called to preach the Truth with how we live. In doing so, we reveal how God’s Word has uprooted and overthrown the lies of the enemy trying to operate in our lives, as well as how the Word has built us up in one faith, one baptism, and in One Lord! Preach it, Church!
Jeremiah 1:4-10 NLT Jeremiah’s Call and First Visions
4 The Lord gave me this message:
5
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
6 “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
7 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” 9 Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,
“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
10
Today I appoint you to stand up
against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up
and plant.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of your Word to change lives. Help us to open ourselves up to greater revelation as we spend time in your Word. You always have something to say, Lord. May we make ourselves ready to receive the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.