6/25/14- The Eternal Word

23for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.24For, "ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, 25BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER." And this is the word which was preached to you. (1 Peter 2:23-25)

6A voice says, “Cry out.”

And I said, “What shall I cry?”

“All people are like grass,

and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.

7The grass withers and the flowers fall,

because the breath of the Lord blows on them.

Surely the people are grass.

8The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:7,8)

Thoughts: This contrasts our temporary nature to God's (and His Word's) eternal nature.  We are tied to the temporary as grass is tied to the passing weather.  But God is the Maker, and He made by His Word and makes us into new people ("born again") by His Word.  This is not just old language.  It is not that God made the world and stopped acting or making.  God shapes us, and cares for us.  If we do not believe that, then we should stop playing the religious game and get serious about a God who has the power to change us and change things.
    Disobedience is not new- though it always disguises itself as popular fashion.  We who are temporary, need to listen to the eternal voice.  To call that voice old-fashioned simply because it is eternal, or even because the older folk believe it, would be a terrible mistake.
    The Word is eternal in that God, who is eternal, is always speaking.  "Let there be light" is still working- in that light continues from that Word.  He is not silent.  He speaks in the fingerprints of creation- but that may be misinterpreted.  He speaks clearly in scripture- but the Spirit (who does not contradict what He has previously and eternally inspired/said), speaks convincingly and convictingly.  

Prayer: May I hear your eternal voice speaking to my heart today, O Lord.