September 8 - A Blessing to Those Who Reverence It

September 8 - A Blessing to Those Who Reverence It

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8)

I have a friend who, as a manager, is continually astounded when his subordinates find that what he has told them is actually correct and are surprised. He always says, "I'm just not that obtuse, am I?" No ... you're pretty matter of fact and your directions are generally very clear.

Well, that's exactly how I treat the scriptures sometimes. They really aren't obtuse. They don't hide the truth from me, it's obvious. Yet I am startled to find within it, the power to change a life.

David, in Psalm 19, while speaking of the precepts of the Lord say, "By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:11)

Jesus continues in this vein, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25)

In Luke 11:28, He says, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

In John 5:24, Jesus is speaking to the Jews when He says, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31)

God has made it very clear to us that incredible blessings will be poured out on us if we hold fast to the Word of God. However, it is nearly impossible to 'hold fast' to these words if we don't know what they are. Notice in Jesus' teaching, He also makes it clear that we need to 'hear' the Word. Whether that means hear it preached, or read the scriptures, we need to ensure that we hold these words from the God of Creation close to our hearts.

Revelation 1:3, "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

The time is near ... the blessings can be at hand. Hear the Word of the Lord, obey, believe, meditate on the Word.