Articles
The Word of God - Luke 9
The Word of God - Luke 9
Following the parable of the sower, Jesus sends the apostle forth. This commission had two aspects. First, their responsibility: preach THE WORD. Secondly, God confirmed such by the miracles He did through them. In this they were in a unique relationship and responsibility. In the reading of this text people often become fixed upon the signs and not the Word! THEIR responsibility remained: They were to preach ‘the word of God.’ Being commissioned “they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere” (vs. 6).
BUT, who would believe it? Who would respond to their preaching? WHY? It was not just a ‘word’, but a CONFIRMED WORD. Along with their preaching, God was testifying of Jesus! As Peter would later proclaim: "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know.” (Acts 2:22)
Then, in their preaching they “…spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.” (Acts 14:3).
Thus, the Hebrew writer could later write: “(1) For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. (2) For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, (3) how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, (4) God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” (Hebrews 2:1-4)
In the end, we now have this confirmed word, written and preserved for us: “(30) Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; (31) but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31)
OUR position is a blessed one of having the inspired, confirmed Word of God: the message of reconciliation! The ‘word of His grace’!. The power of God to save my soul (Rom. 1:16)! Are we letting this word dwell in our hearts richly? (Col. 3:16) ? Are we living ‘by every word of God’ (Matt. 4:4).
Hugh DeLong
