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Devotional 8.7.26

 




August 7 – The Word of Life

 

Psalm 33:4-5 – For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

 

Scripture Reading – Philippians 2:12-30

 

The apostle Paul tells us to hold fast to the word of life (Philippians 2:16). He is specifically referring to Jesus who is the Word. The Greek word for “word” is logos, which means speech, message, or argument. In the case of Jesus being described as the Word, he is the ultimate divine message of hope. Jesus said he is the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6). So when Paul tells us to hold fast to the word of life, he isn’t just referring to an inspirational speech or sermon. He’s referring to the redemptive message that Jesus is the expression of God himself in human form, the good news of great joy that will be for all people (Luke 2:10).

 

This isn’t just good news, it’s the best news. Our passage from Psalm 33 gives us more insight as to this being God’s plan and why he sent Jesus, the Word, into the world. First, the LORD’s word is upright. In other words, it’s straight, pointing directly vertical, and having a resolute regard for what is moral integrity, honest, and pleasing to God. God said he would make a way when sin entered into the world (Genesis 3:15) and the rest of Scripture is an unfolding of that redemptive story. Everything we read in the Bible is pointing upward to God and leading us upward toward reconciliation with him. “Word” in Psalm 33:4 is the Hebrew word davar which simply means word or speech. However, the word of God is his divine instruction to us to know what is upright, and to know Him.

 

The psalmist then tells us that God’s work is done in faithfulness. This is another promise seen throughout Scripture. He will never leave us. He will never fail us, even when we doubt, question, or turn our backs on him. He will always have open arms for us to return to him. God loves righteousness and justice. This isn’t simply doing good deeds and providing social justice that we see advocated on social media and TV (although those things are often worthy of our time and resources also). This righteousness and justice are more of a righting, or realigning with God. Sin requires that justice be paid. We are made righteous before God because Jesus took judgement for us on the cross. The earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. The love described here is chesed, describing an active, committed, loyal form of love. It combines deep affection with trustworthy action. It’s a covenant loyalty, unwavering grace, and unmerited favor.

 

When Paul tells us to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), he isn’t advocating for a works-based salvation. He’s suggesting that when we know the God of Psalm 33, and have experienced his faithfulness and steadfast love, we can’t help but be in awe and wonder with a natural behavioral response to him. The Word has given us life, and the word offers us guidance to live that life.

The one who gave life sustains life, and will be faithful in every season.


Further reading: Genesis 1:1-31, John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:12; 1 John 1:1-4; Revelation 19:13


Reflection Questions:

    1.     How does holding fast to the word correlate to holding fast to the Word?

    2.     What does your behavior express about your response to God’s steadfast love?


Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing your steadfast love and mercy by sending the Word to bring hope for all people, even me. Thank you for your word that is a lamp to my feet and light for my path, guiding me day by day. Help me to hold fast to you as you faithfully hold fast and sustain me in every season of life. Amen.


A playlist of our morning worship songs can be listened to here.



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