The Power of God’s Word (2)

“The commands of the Lord are radiant.”        Ps 19:8 NIV

Observe: (1) “The commands of the Lord are radiant.” When people like Plato and Shakespeare speak, the effect of their words on us depends on what we bring to the process. Some of us may be informed and entertained, while others may be indifferent or bored. Their words could be described as intrinsically neutral. But this is not so with God’s words: They radiate! Like heat and light, they are sources of spiritual energy. They possess a dynamic power that produces change wherever it goes. Likewise, God’s Word is dynamic. It radiates transforming power that changes anyone who lives in its “environment”! (2) “The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy” (v. 9 NET). The Hebrew word for “trustworthy” comes from “certainty, honesty, and faithfulness.” With absolute confidence, you can stake your all on the reliability of God’s Word. It guarantees you that God says what He means, and means what He says. You can stand secure on every syllable of it. In other words, you can “live…by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4 NKJV). (3) “By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded” (Ps 19:11 CEV). God’s Word is more than just a list of “do’s and don’ts.” It’s like radar that signals you when you’re in danger of straying off course and getting into trouble. Your conscience alone is inadequate. “How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults…Don’t let them control me” (vv. 12-13 NLT). By obeying God’s Word, you will be “greatly rewarded”!

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