Communication is essential in relationships. God, too, calls us into a relationship by drawing us into conversation through his Word. Throughout time, God has invited people into dialogue with himself through self-disclosure, but this was not a dialogue we were faithful to participate in. From the time of Israel to the present day, we are more inclined to “not listen or pay attention; instead, [we] follow the stubbornness of [our] evil hearts” (Jer. 11:8).
ENTER JESUS (The Incarnate Word)
In sending his Son, and through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has forever satisfied both sides of the conversation. We are now invited into a relationship with God through his Word. How do we know this is true?
The (Incarnate) Word of God brings light.
In the beginning, God spoke into the darkness, and there was light. Just as the sun gives light to our physical path and Scripture to our metaphysical path, Jesus, the Word of God, is the ultimate light. By this light, order is brought out of chaos; understanding is brought out of obscurity; peace is brought out of fear. Through Jesus, all things in heaven and earth are unified (Eph. 1:10). In Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). Through Jesus, the darkness is defeated, and peace is made possible. The Word of God illuminates all things.
The (Incarnate) Word of God makes the Father known.
In the Old Testament, God communicated his character, promises, and ways through the Law and the prophets (written and Spirit-inspired). Now, God has unveiled his character, promises, and ways through Jesus, the final Word. The Gospel of John tells us that the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us (1:14), and it is this incarnational Word that “makes the Father known (1:18). In Jesus, the invisible has been made visible. The lofty has been made accessible. We can know God by and through his Word.
The (Incarnate) Word of God creates and sustains life.
In the beginning, God spoke creation into existence. By his Word, all things were made, and apart from him, nothing was made (John 1:3). And though the first creation has fallen, God is bringing about new creation - a redeemed and restored creation - once again through his Word - Jesus. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Cor. 5:17) This new creation is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator - the Spirit of Christ in us transforming us to His image (Col. 3:10). God continues to speak new creation into existence by His Word.
So, what does that mean for you? How do you use God's Word in your own words?
Listen to what it's saying, talk about it, and apply it. Communicating with words involves receptive intentions. God has invited us into a relationship with himself by communicating his Word, so let us not “merely listen to the word, and so deceive ourselves [but] do what it says” (James 1:22). May we humbly receive Jesus the Word, who is both the messenger and the message, and enjoy the gift of new, enlightened life with God by adopting his Word as our own.
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.*
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