Save the World

May 6, 2009

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

The word of God continued to spread and grow. Acts 12:24

I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. John 12:46-47

Piety

The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft. One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge. There is no word or sound; no voice is heard; Yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world. God has pitched there a tent for the sun; it comes forth like a bridegroom from his chamber, and like an athlete joyfully runs its course.

From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just; More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb.

By them your servant is instructed; obeying them brings much reward. Who can detect heedless failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults. But from willful sins keep your servant; let them never control me. Then shall I be blameless, innocent of grave sin. Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor, keep the thoughts of my heart before you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19)

Study

The Word has a life of its own. Once introduced, the word of God continues to spread and grow like a garden growing in fertile soil, sprinkled with life giving water.

From the very opening words of the Gospel of John, we hear that the origin of the Word echoes the Book of Genesis.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5

The Word is synonymous with life and with the Lord. From these first passages, John also introduces the role that the Word will play in shining light where there is darkness.

The Word has a life of its own. Words written or spoken by mere mortals never rise to that level. We have some wonderful writing in our cultural history. The plays of William Shakespeare. The “I Have a Dream” speech of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A favorite poem. A moving song. A wonderful short story or novel. A memoir or a best-seller. Many words wonderful words enrich our lives…and many other words clutter our sensibilities daily. Yet none have the impact of the words in the books of the Bible.

Our words also can convey love or inflict harm. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but the words of man certainly also can hurt and hate. However, the word of God can never do that. The Word is here to save teh world. It can only do that by saving us...one person at a time. No matter how much love the Word conveys, the choice of accepting it's safety and protection still lies in one place…with each of us.

Action

What can you do today or this week to spread the Gospel?

How about sharing your favorite Bible passage with those who are close to you? Do they already know what you would choose today? Has something new replaced something that used to be your favorite?

Visit the Your Daily Tripod blog site (www.yourdailytripod.blogspot.com comments section) or the Google Group and post your favorite Bible reading for all to share.