By Cyril Rayan

The word of God is called many things in the bible Book of the law, Law of the Lord, Scriptures, Holy Scriptures, word of life, implanted word and the Book. It is a book of God’s laws, which helps us to lead our lives according to God’s will. Also there is a gospel song, which treats Bible as an acronym, which stands for Basic Instructions before leaving earth.

In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Word of God was before everything else. All scripture is given by inspiration of God… (2 Tim 3:16). Different people wrote the books in the Bible and they were written in different times some books a few thousand years apart. But still there is common theme of Jesus Christ which runs like a thread from Genesis to Revelation.

Purpose of the word of God:

The entirety of Your word is truth and every one of your righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160). And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. (John 8:32). The word of God is the truth and it sets you free or delivers you from sin.

He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20). The word has the power to heal you of any disease. The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130). The word gives us wisdom and understanding. So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17). So as we hear more preachers and teachers our faith is built up also when we read the word we can read it aloud so that we hear the word. Also hang out with people who know the word and confess the word. The word makes us wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 3:15)

Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching. (2Tim 4:2) The word is the Law of the Lord and it is used to convince, rebuke and exhort people. We need to teach the word and continue with longsuffering. A pastor used to knock at one particular family’s door every Saturday morning to share the gospel with them. They never opened the door. He continued to do this for two years. One Saturday morning when he knocked their door he found that they had left the home. He enquired with the neighbors and they did not know where they moved. He prayed to God and God showed him where they were. He went there and knocked their door the next Saturday morning. They could not believe how he had traced them. This was the first time they let him in and understood that God loved them and they accepted the Lord the same day. Do we show the same kind of longsuffering and patience? We might share the gospel a few times and give up.

Let us not give up on sharing the gospel in our circle of influence. We also should continue to pray for the salvation of the people we know as the evil one has blindfolded their eyes.

Your words were found and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart… (Jer 15:16). Jeremiah enjoyed God’s word like we enjoy a delicacy. The word brings joy and rejoicing in our heart.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which were seen were not made of things which are visible. (Heb 11:3). God created from nothing through his word. Man can make things from another thing. Great peace have those who love your law and nothing causes them to stumble. (Psalm 119:165). Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105). Direct my steps with your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.(Psalm 119:133). The word directs our steps and guides us.

What should we do?

1. We should meditate on the word day and night. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2). I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on your word. (Psalm 119:147-148). The psalmist says blessed is the man who delights in the law of the Lord. The psalmist meditates on the word through the night as he is resting and he also rises before the dawn to read the word.
   
2. We should memorize the word so that we will not sin against our God. Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You. (Psalm 119:11).
   
3. We should ask God for revelation from the word. Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. (Psalm 119:18)
   
4. We should apply the word in our daily life. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22).
   
5. We need to cry for those who do not believe the word of God. Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep your law. (Psalm 119:136).
   
6. We need to be ready to preach the word all the time. Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. (2Tim 4:2)
   
7. We should love the word of God as it is pure and cleanses us. Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it. (Psalm 119:140)