Living in the Spirit
November 7, 2014

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.— 1 Thessalonians 2:13

How does God’s word work in us? First the word “believers” could also be translated “those who have been entrusted with the word”. I like this second translation because it implies more than simply to believe something. It says we are to protect it and value it beyond measure. Since the word translated “believers” is plural, it also means that I must engage with others and come to some common understanding about what the Word of God is saying. We, then, together must let it work within each of us and among all of us for the Word to produce synergy throughout our world today. Paul often called that fruit.

The Word of God for me includes both the Bible and the life examples of Jesus Christ. And yes, I realize that the life examples are for the most part gleaned from the Bible but they are in some ways more real to me in my daily walk. I have sat on the hillside above a crowd of hungry people and had compassion, walked along the water’s edge with friends and co-workers searching for answers to life’s questions, wept over the loss of a dear loved one, and enjoyed the innocent, fresh company of children. And all these experiences look a little different to me having seen them through the eyes of Jesus and actually through the eyes of all those who came before him and followed him. The Word of God is living as Hebrews 4:12 states: Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

As the word of God works within us to shape our hearts so goes our ministry to serve God.

Prayer: O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
               Sent from the heart of God,
              Hold us who wait before Thee
             Near to the heart of God. Amen*

*From the hymn Near to the Heart of God words by Cleland B. McAfee, http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/e/neartoth.htm

 All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.