Is it easier to hear, convey or obey God’s word?
Scripture reading: Psalm 29:1-11. Text: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11. Also: “For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.'” 2 Corinthians 10:10. How does this powerful divine word reach, touch and enable us? Let Apostle Paul help us to become the interpreter of the divine word and the channel of the spiritual power.
THE SOURCE OF THE MESSAGE.
How many times do we read in the Old Testament, especially in the books of the prophets: “the Lord says . . .” and we have the impression that God “communicated” with his servants directly and distinctively, and all what the prophets had to do was to tell the people what they had so clearly heard from the Lord.
In the New Testament it was the Spirit who conveyed and the vision or dream that revealed the divine will: “. . . hear what the Spirit says . . .” Revelation 2:29, see also John 16:7-13. Apostle Paul was instructed through a vision: “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven” Acts of Apostles 26:19. Joseph was informed through a dream: “angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.” Matthew 2:13.
This does not mean, however, that the divine revelation has always been obvious and ready: “In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.” 1 Samuel 3:1/b
There have also been false prophets whose prophecy was more welcomed than that of those who presented the unpleasant but true divine revelation. See Jeremiah 37:16-38:6, especially: “Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, ‘The king of Babylon will not attack you or this land?'” Jeremiah 37:19.
THE CHANNEL (INTERPRETER) OF GOD’S WORD.
The danger exists that the interpreter will either distort what God has to say or he/she may claim that he/she is the only and exclusive “representative” through whom God is willing to speak. If a person says that God spoke to him/her let his/her personal behavior, family life and professional conduct validate the divine word. Apostle Paul proved with his life that he was very serious about what he had preached. Please read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33.
It is easy to speak and the “good news” is welcomed when the servant of the Lord presents what we like to hear: “God forgives and loves us, as well as he will guide, protect and bless his people. What we are doing is pleasing in his eyes.” But what does the Bible say? God likes us or we should love him more? God will bless us or we shall serve him better? We are his favorite children or we shall repent? God approves our ways or we shall improve our lives? We have completed our duties or get ready for further service? Please read what Apostle Paul had said about himself, Philippians 3:12-14.
A good sermon is not a final biblical truth, correct in every detail, what you have to endorse, but a blueprint you are able to read and carry out.
THE TARGET (RECEIVING END) OF THE DIVINE REVELATION.
Never: “you the people” but always: “we the children of God.” No sermon shall begin with: “I am telling you . . .” but: “This is what God expects of us . . .” The prophets never considered themselves exceptions when they had spoken in the name of the Lord. When God speaks to a PERSON he does it in such a way that his word affects that person’s spiritual, family, professional, and social life. God may speak to the whole community or society through one person as he had done it through the prophets in the Old Testament.
Let Apostle Paul’s comment about his own service be our guideline: “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.