The Importance of God's Word

This is the verse my morning meditation was on.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 

And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.

In its historical context, it is God speaking through Moses in respect to the king God will choose to rule over them. But certainly, we have a spiritual application that speaks to us today.

First, we would be much better off, if we elected men who put God’s Word up as the standard by which they would govern. Realistically though, this is not a Christian nation and that probably isn’t going to happen. Yet, when Christians vote, we must look to this principle when we elect leaders.

There is a second principle that is more personal for us. It is the principle of reading God’s word. Why do we need to read, study, and prioritize God’s word? Let Moses answer that.

“That [you] may learn to fear the LORD [your] God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that [your] heart may not be lifted up above [your] brothers, and that [you] may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that [your] may continue long in [your life], [you] and [your] children.”

God has given us the way to do life. We have a map. It is called the Bible. We cannot know God’s Will unless we listen to Him. And He speaks. He speaks through His Word. 

Colossians 3:16 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

THE PSALMS – A JOURNEY IN WORSHIP AND FAITH - August 14, 2014 – Day 19 - Psalm 19

 God has written two books. Psalm 19 speaks of both and begins with what one commentator has called “The Big Book”. In it He has revealed Himself to all mankind. Psalm 19:1 says that “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” The Apostle Paul expands on this in Romans 1:19-20, saying “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” This answers the question many non-believers ask, “What about those who will never hear the Gospel?” God has revealed themselves to them. They are without excuse if they choose not to call out to Him. In nature God never stops calling men through His creation of the heavens and the earth. Every Day and every night, man can see God.

Psalm 19:2-6
“Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.”

David having spoken first of the “Big Book” of God written in creation then goes on to speak of the “Little Book” of God, His Word. He will call it the law of God; to us it is called the Word of God.

Psalm 19:7-10
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.”

Observe carefully the six things the law of God does as seen in verses 7-10:

First of all because it’s perfect; it revives our souls. Secondly because it’s sure, it makes the simple wise. Thirdly because it’s right, it makes our heart rejoice. Fourth because it’s pure it gives light to our eyes, enabling us to see things as they should be seen. Fifth because the Word of God teaches a clean and perfect fear it will endure forever. And sixth because God’s Word is true then we can know how to live because God’s rules for life are righteous.

Next David speaks of how great God’s commands are in verse 10, “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

And the value in keeping them in verse 11, “Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.” And David instructs us that by reading God’s Word we can determine all our sin and learn how to overcome them.

Psalm 19:12-13
Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

David finishes with a small prayer.

Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”

Let it be our prayer as well, that Jesus is our rock and our redeemer.