Words Of Life

When the rescued Israelites stood before Mt. Sinai after the exodus from Egypt, the Lord descended in fire and smoke and the whole mountain quaked greatly. A trumpet sounded and grew louder and louder. The people said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear, but let not God speak with us, lest we die” (Exodus 20:19).

Fast forward to the days of Jesus. This time the Lord came “in the likeness of sinful men,” yet He was the Creator and Sustainer of all creation, in whom “all the fulness of the Godhead dwelt in bodily form.” His words were grace and truth, pulsing with life and power. No one feared Him and His arms were open to all. He was approachable and gentle.

Yet, the Bible warns the world… “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time should let them slip” (Hebrews 2:1). The picture is a of boat floating past the dock, then suddenly realizing that dock was their salvation, for rapids and a waterfall lay ahead. The words of Jesus are eternal safety, and to treat them as insignificant or unworthy of attention, is fatal.

What more could Jesus do for us than He has done? He left Heaven to come rescue us from death, by paying death’s claim on our sin. Then He arose in power and invites all people to be reconciled to God in eternal purpose, righteous power, and rest for our souls.

There is no Voice, no Words, no Book, more important than the Bible. And Jesus’ promise still rings with power… “The one who hears My Word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)