Slideshow image

"Then all mankind fears; they tell what God has brought about and ponder what he has done."

~ Psalm 64:9

 

“Words are important.”  This is a favorite phrase of mine, known well by my family and perhaps by others also.  I do believe that words are the most powerful thing that God has given to man (Prov. 18:21; James 3:1-12).  If fact, God has chosen words as the primary means of revealing himself to man…the Bible (2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)). 

Yes, God is revealed in Creation (Romans 1:19-20)…but he used words to create it all (Genesis 1:3-26; Hebrews 11:3).  And yes, God is revealed in his Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3)…who is the Word made flesh (John 1:1-2,14).  It is the Gospel that brings salvation (forgiveness of sins and eternal life) (Romans 1:16)…the Gospel being the good [word] of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:8).  As disciples of Jesus, we are to proclaim this good word of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15; Romans 10:15)…but proclamation does not occur without the use of words (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 2:9).

Words are highlighted in this psalm of David.  First the words of the wicked (v.2-6)…then the words of God (v.7).  Words are spoken of metaphorically as swords (v.3) and arrows (v.3) and snares (v.5).  Wicked men shoot their words like arrows (v.4) to accomplish injustice (v.6) and evil purposes (v.5).  In the end God will speak (“shoots his arrow”; v.7) and his word will accomplish justice and judgment of all (v.7-10)(Is. 55:11)…the wicked will be brought to ruin, their own words being turned against them (v.8-9), and the righteous will rejoice and find refuge, exulting in heart (v.10).

May we have no dread of the enemy and instead fear the LORD who is God of us all (v.1,9).