The Living Word

Last week, in my personal devotions, I completed going through the First (Old) Testament book of Daniel - not for the first time. I have now started on the Second (New) Testament book of the Revelation - again, not for the first time! That choice was made because of the links between the two books. Of course, reading God's Word is of great importance to anyone who claims to be a disciple of Jesus. Part of the reason for this is the simple fact that Jesus, Himself, is often referred to as "the Word". For example, in the book of the Revelation, we read: "And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God." (Revelation 19:13). 

This uniquely expressive name assigned to the Christ, as He returns to Earth in glory, is used also by John in his gospel (John 1:1, 14) and in his epistle (1 John 1:1), referring both to the Lord's primeval work of creation and also to His human incarnation. It is well known that "Word" here is the Greek logos. Six times it is applied by John as a name or title of the Son of God (three times in John 1:1), the second person of the Trinity. Actually, John used it seven times, assuming that the disputed verse, 1 John 5:7 ("the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost"), is really a part of the inspired text.

 

The Greek word logos is a remarkable word, adaptable to many meanings. It is translated in English language versions of the Second (New) Testament by a number of other words, where a more precise definition is felt to be appropriate. For example, Paul, writing to the Thessalonian disciples of Jesus, reminds them: "So each of us shall give account of himself to God." (14:12, RSV) and uses "logos" for "account". The lexicons add still other meanings, and some of the Greek philosophers used it to describe the intelligence behind the universe.

 

As used by John, however, it becomes much more specific: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). The New World translation of Jehovah's Witnesses, rejecting the deity of Christ, like to translate this as "the Word was a god," but all knowledgeable Greek scholars agree that the rendering of other versions is correct. Then, says John, "... the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father." (John 1:14). Even although "No one has ever seen God; " (John 1:18), He has become knowable through His Son Who "has made Him known." It was Philip who asked the Lord: "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." (John 14:8). The Saviour replied: "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" (John 14:9).

Consequently, John can also declare Him to others. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life . . . that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus, the Christ." (1 John 1:1, 3).

The written Word is alive. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword , piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Heb.4:12). Those of us who read that Word with any regularity are all too aware of having read a soecific passage many times before but, on a particular occasion, having seen something that we had never before noticed!

And He, the Lord Jesus, is the Living Word. The only question is this - "Is He living in you?"

Waiting, and watching.

In Dr Luke's account of the Gospel, he records these words of the Lord Jesus: "Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them." (Lk.12:37, NKJV). The Greek word "grēgoreuō" (gray-gor-you-o), translated here as "watching", may also be translated as "alert", or "awake". However, The Lord Jesus, in those words already quoted, gives a special commendation to those who not only wait for His return, but also earnestly watch for Him.

Dr Donald Barnhouse, an American Presbyterian minister in the early years of the last century, illustrated the difference between these terms with a story of a Scottish fishing boat that was returning home after many days at sea. As the vessel neared the shore, the crew gazed eagerly towards the dock, where a group of their loved ones had gathered. The skipper looked through his binoculars, and identified some of them. "I see Bill's Mary; and there is Tom's Margaret; and David's Anne." One man became concerned because his wife was not there!. When the catch had been unloaded, and the necessary work on the boat had been completed, he left it with a heavy heart and hurried up the hill to the cottage where he lived. As he opened the door, his wife ran to meet him. "I've been waiting for you!", she said. His soft reply held a gentle rebuke - "Yes, but the other men's wives were watching for them!" 

It is possible to wait for the Lord without exhibiting much watchfulness. Our minds may have many verses from the written Word of God, the Bible, all neatly arranged, that tell of His return. We may even be able to quote them quite glibly. But what a difference it makes when our hearts are eagerly looking for His imminent return - which is much closer now than when Dr Barnhouse told his little story!

We "...must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation.” (II Peter 3:3-4).

The hours may seem to pass slowly but, when viewed from the perspective of eternity, which is not "endless time", but "timelessness", but where, in terms of earthly time, "... one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (II Peter 3:8), the Lord's promise: "Surely I am coming soon." (Rev.22:20), becomes clear! Given this proper understanding of His apparent delay - although there are many signs that His taking up of His faithful people to meet Him "in the air" (I Thess. 4:17) .very close! - His words of cheer should keep us on our spiritual tiptoes.

Does the hope of His soon return cause you to wait patiently and watch expectantly - and listen for "...the archangel’s call, and ... the sound of the shofar of God." (I Thess. 4:16)?