In the first chapter of John, we understand that Jesus is the Word of God and was present and participated in the beginning of creation.  God spoke creation into being, ” LET THERE BE LIGHT!”, and there was light.

(Photo taken by my grandson Grant Kellond).

John also tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  This is Jesus, both fully God and fully human.  The Word came to walk with us.

In the fourth chapter of Luke, Jesus heals a man in the synagogue at Capernaum by crying aloud to an unclean spirit, “COME OUT!”. People were amazed at the power and authority of the word and asked the question, “What is this word?”

Another time Jesus is with the disciples in a boat during a storm.  By his spoken word he quiets the waters by crying aloud, “PEACE BE STILL!”

This is a collage I did of my grandson surfing in California.  The waves are certainly tumultuous, but Grant is not bothered by them.  Is it possible that Jesus’ word “PEACE BE STILL!” can happen within us?

So, the question that surfaces in all of us is, “What is this word?”  Jesus tells us in John 16:12-14 that he will send the Holy Spirit who will “take what is mine and declare it to you.”   The Holy Spirit guides us into the truth of the Living Word.  I love peaching the Word of God….

By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Living Word is present here and now.  In the moment of our hearing, the truth is being awakened anew in each one of us.  It is amazing to me that even as I am preaching, I also become the hearer as the Holy Spirit is at work bringing God’s Word.  There is always something new to experience in the hearing of God’s Word.  It is powerful!

Pondering…

Can you imagine hearing God SPEAK creation into being?

You might try reading a story in the New Testament.  Rather than reading to analyze, put yourself into the scene, experience it, and listen for something new.

nk