Thinking about the wonders of the word of God, Firstly, planet Earth alone is a wonder of the word of God. Origin of humanity is a wonder of the word of God.
but we’ll be discussing on wonders of the word of God relating to human/believers benefit, the importance of the word of God and Some of the wonders in the Bible.
To start, what are the wonders of God’s words?
we are born again for signs and for wonders. Every child of God is ordained to be a wonder to his world (Isaiah 8:18)
Word of God is the antidote to hardship, frustration and stagnation.
The knowledge and riches can not guarantee a profitable living but the word of God, by putting the word of God into practice, we are guaranteed a profitable living.
we can not live below God plan of life when we the word of God because, by redemption we are to live a highly profitable life, a life full of virtue, a glorious life.
By redemption we are to live a guarantee profitable life both now and eternity, this is one of the things Satan is afraid of, he is afraid because the more light the world get, the more less, his kingdom become, he never want any us to live a profitable life that’s why he’s always trying to put believers far from the word but its written in John 1:5
And The Light Shineth In Darkness; And The Darkness Comprehended It Not.
The word of God build up our spiritual strength, it build up faith. there is power in the word because its the word that guarantee us a profitable living.
In James 1:21-25 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass
1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
READMORE:
- HOW TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE PLEASING TO GOD AS A TEENAGER
- 5 signs when God wants to move you to bigger blessings.
- Faith come by hearing the word of God
Wonders of the word of God – Importance of the word
All things in life , everything in life answers to us when we engaged the word of God.
on the platform of the word of God, we are meant to command and to take charge, just by practicing the word, by engaging the word of God, we are set to witness the practical manifestation of signs and wonder of the word of God.
Satan himself the ruler of darkness was created by the word, in John 1:3
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
There is nothing we are looking for in this world/life that is not in the word of God, absolutely nothing but they cant manifest until we engage the word, without engaging the word, we cant expect to see the manifestation of the wonders of the word of God.
Christianity today remains in frustration except we commit to the word practice.
lots of Christians are in frustration because they simply refuse to use the word.
Satan is never tired of attacking except we used the word, yes the word, he is afraid of the word of God.
God word is ever ready to perform wonders,
Psa 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
It’s only the Bible that is made up of divine wonders, every other books are made up letters but except the Bible.
Some of the wonders in the Bible are:
1. The Wonders Of Divine Nature:
By studying the word, we are partaking of the divine nature of God (2 Cor.3:18)
2. The Wonders Of Triumphant Living:
The wonders of living like more than a conqueror’s life style, that is, winning without fighting by divine illumination (PS.119:130).
Light does not fight darkness.
When light steps in, darkness steps out.
By revelation we are empowered to triumph always and in every place.
We triumph by the light of revelation and illumination of the word of life.
3. The Spirit Of Life:
Life itself is a wonder of the word of God, The spirit of life is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). In the Word is life.
What kind of life is in the Word? It is divine life (II Peter 1:4). So, we partake of divine life from the Word, all thing of life are from the word.
Wonders of the word of God is such that no ear that heareth, eye that seeneth mouth can denied. God’s Word is full of wonders!
God’s Word is converted to power at the instance of your faith. We are born again for signs and for wonders.
Every child of God is ordained to be a wonder to his world (Isaiah 8:18). just like its stated at the beginning of this post.
THE WONDER GENES IN THE WORD OF GOD
The wonder genes in the Word Of God.’ The Spirit Of Life: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). In the Word is life.
What kind of life is in the Word? It is divine life (II Peter 1:4). So, we partake of divine life from the Word. The more Word-loaded you are, the more divine nature you exhibit. It distinguishes everyone that comes to this world. So, through the Word, we imbibe divine nature that distinguishes us among men.
The Word of God inculcates divine nature, and that gets you immune to all forms of sickness and disease (Proverbs 2:20-22). So, that life exhibit itself in form of divine health. The Power Genes: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”. (Romans 1:16).
Wonders of the word of God’s carries power genes. By receiving the Word, you are empowered to manifest as a son of God (John 1:12).
What does this power carry?:
https://christwin.com/2018/11/how-to-live-a-holy-life-pleasing-to-god-as-a-teenager.html
- It carries the power to live above all hurt (Psalms 66:3).
- It carries the power to cause your enemies to surrender.
- It carries the power to rule and to reign, in spite of your enemies (Psalms 110:1-3).
Creative genes: God’s Word can creatively re-package your destiny, and give it colour and beauty. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made”. (John 1:3).
In Genesis 1:1-31, God said, and God saw! God’s Word is loaded with creative genes. Breakthrough genes: The breakthrough forces in the Word are irresistible and unstoppable. Scriptures are packaged for profitable living. There are breakthrough genes in scriptures (II Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 4:13,15). Divine light genes: “The entrance of His Word giveth light and it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalms 119:130).
That light does not only enlighten you, it lightens you up. It turns you to a divine illuminant. It offers direction (Psalms 119:105). It confers dominion over the forces of darkness (Psalms 60:1-2).
Victory genes: Behind every verse of scripture is the victorious voice of the Lord (Psalm 29:3).
Prophetic genes: The Word of God carries prophetic genes. God’s Word is prophetic in nature. When you believe it, you have committed God to confirm it (II Peter 1:21).
Spiritual wine: There is spiritual wine in the Word. Wine maketh merry (Isaiah 55:1). So, there is joy and rejoicing in the Word. The wine of the Word is highly intoxicating.
It puts you perpetually on top of situations. Healing genes: God’s Word carries healing virtues. Jesus was preaching and the power of God was present to heal them (Luke 5:17). The power of God was present in the Word that He was teaching them. When you sit down in the Word, you are in God’s clinic.
Through His Word, He transmits into you healing genes, so you can live a healthy life. Avenues through which God opens The Book: New birth grants you access to the mysteries of the Word (Mark 4:11). 2. By the ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:12; John 14:26).
Conclusion on WONDERS OF THE WORD OF GOD
To conclude on wonders of the word of God, i believed its already clear to you that God word is full of wonders, the Word of God is the antidote to hardship, frustration and stagnation, which that means that hardship is not meant for the children of God, you may ask who are the children of God? a child of God is one who is born again and doing the will of God.
The Bible truly is a unique and wonderful book – a book full of wonders. I would like to consider some of these Unique Wonders of the Word of God.
First let’s look at Ps 19:7-14
«7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.»
Ps 138:2, «I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.»
David said of God in this Psalm, “Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”
Christians are often accused of worshiping the Bible. This is not true. We worship the God who wrote it. He alone deserves our worship. But at the same time the Bible makes this declaration concerning the Word of God.
THE UNIQUE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORD OF GOD.
I. The Unique Wonder of It’s Inspiration
The Bible is the most unique book ever written for it claims to have as it’s author God.
It may have been written over a period of 1600 years, on three continents, and by 40 different men. Yet it had only one author – GOD.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 Thess 2:13
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
It is inspired, that is “God-breathed”.
It declares that it is the word of God. The expression “the Lord said” or “the Lord spoke occurs over 2000 times in the OT alone.
II. The Unique Wonder of It’s Formation
The Bible contains 66 books – 39 in the OT and 27 in the NT.
The 39 books of the O.T. are written primarily in Hebrew, with a little Aramaic, and the 27 books of the N.T. are written exclusively in Greek. Yet these diverse authors each in their own way present a unified portrait of God’s plans and purposes in our world.
The 27 books that make up the New Testament were written over a 50 year span, and they deal with Jesus Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, the beginning of the Christian church, and instruction about how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ.
In the King James it contains 1,189 chapters and 31,173 verses.
It was written by 40 authors ranging from kings, to statesmen, to doctors, to farmers and shepherds.
The Bible was written over a period of 1,600 years on three continents.
The Bible is an entire library of different kinds of literature. As to different kinds of literature, the Bible contains history, poetry, humor, prophecy, romance, letters, biographies, songs, journals, advise, laws and stories.
1. It’s Diverseness
a. The Bible is not a book of history – yet it is historical.
b. The Bible is not a book of science – yet it is scientific.
c. The Bible is not a book of just facts – yet it is factual.
2. It’s Uniqueness
a. The Bible is the first Book – it is first in pre-eminence.
b. The Bible is the Best Book – As David said of the sword of Goliath, “there is none like it.”
c. The Bible is the oldest book – It was written in the heart of God from eternity.
So when I say «Bible» this is what I’m talking about, these 66 books that have been the foundation for the Christian faith since it’s very beginnings.
III. The Unique Wonder of It’s Preservation
Ps 12:6-7
6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
1. Its Hatred — It is the most hated of books.
a. It’s an authority and people reject authority
b. Men hate and reject it because they are ignorant of it’s truth
1) The truths of sin, judgment, and Hell are bitter to them
2) Men reject it because they are too busy with the things of this world to heed the Bible.
2. It’s Survival — The Bible has survived every attack against it
a. Men have tried to destroy it. By burning — by ridicule — By so called science – but it still survived
b. Men have tried to outlaw it. — Under penalty of death or imprisonment if you owned one.
c. Men have tried to pervert it. Add to it or take away from it.
One of the greatest errors of the Cults is the accusation that the word of God became corrupted and so that is why they came along with their “scriptures”.
d. Men have tried to hide it. – in dead languages – in perverted translations
3. It’s Prominence — It is the Monarch of books – The king among books. It rules over all.
a. The printing press came into existence because of the Word of God.
b. The Bible was also the first book ever printed on the printing press,
c. it’s the best selling book of all time.
What kind of a God would we have if He could give us a Book and then not preserve it.
IV. The Unique
Wonder of It’s Design
The Bible declares itself to be many things and to have many uses.
I have in my hand:
1. A Two Edged Sword – Heb. 4:12
2. A Hammer – Jer. 23:29 – It breaks the resistance of the heart.
3. A Mirror – James 1:23-25 – It reflects the true picture of man
4. A Fire – Jer. 23:29 and 20:9 – The Word of God is pure and refining
5. A Lamp – Ps. 119:105 – It is illuminating
V. The Unique Wonder of It’s Power
This book has the power to change lives.
It has the power to pick drunkards up out of the gutter.
It has the power to make saints out of infidels.
It has the power to restore broken marriages
It has the power to give hope to the murderer on death row.
Isa 55:11
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Illustration
Someone once asked the great preacher Charles Spurgeon if he was prepared to defend the Word of God. He replied, “Defend it! I would as soon try to defend a lion. God’s word doesn’t need defending. Just preach it. Let it out of it’s cage and it will defend itself.”
VI. The Unique Wonder of It’s Message
It gives Jesus Christ the preeminent place
In Genesis – He is the Seed Of The Woman
In Exodus – He is the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus – He is our High Priest
In Numbers – He is the Star Of Jacob
In Deuteronomy – He is the Rock
In Joshua – He is the Captain Of The Lord’s Host
In Judges – He is the Sword Of Gideon
In Ruth – He is the Kinsman Redeemer
In Samuel – He is the Seed Of David
In Kings – He is the Lord God Of Israel
In Chronicles – He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
In Ezra – He is the Lord Of Heaven And Earth
In Nehemiah – He is the Restorer
In Esther – He is the God Of Providence
In Job – He is the daysman
In Psalms – He is the King Of Glory
In Proverbs – He is the Wisdom Of God
In Ecclesiastes – He is the Creator
In Song Of Solomon – He is Altogether Lovely
In Isaiah – He is the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince Of Peace
In Jeremiah – He is the Lord Our Righteousness
In Lamentations – He is the Weeping Prophet
In Ezekiel – He is the Wheel In The Wheel
In Daniel – He is the Fourth Man If The Fire
In Hosea – He is the Lord God of Hosts
In Joel – He is the Hope of His People
In Amos – He is the God of Hosts
In Obadiah – He is the Destroyer Of The Proud
In Jonah – He is the God Of The Second Chance
In Micah – He is the God Of Jacob
In Nahum – He is the Avenging God
In Habakkuk – He is the Everlasting Glorious God
In Zephaniah – He is the King Of Israel
In Haggai – He is the Desire Of All Nations
In Zechariah – He is the one Pierced In The House Of His Friends
In Malachi– He is the Lord Of Remembrance
In Matthew – He is the King Of The Jews
In Mark – He is the Servant
In Luke – He is the Son Of Man
In John – He is the Eternal God
In Acts – He is the Ascended Lord
In Romans – He is the Lord Our Righteousness
In Corinthians – He is Our Sufficiency
In Galatians – He is Our Liberator
In Ephesians – He is the Head Of The Church
In Philippians – He is Our Strength
In Colossians – He is the Fullness Of The Godhead
In Thessalonians – He is the coming Christ
In Timothy – He is the Mediator Between God And Man
In Titus – He is the Great God And Savior
In Hebrews – He is the Captain Of Our Salvation
In James – He is the Great Physician
In Peter – He is the Unblemished Lamb
In John – He is the Advocate
In Jude – He is the Lord That Cometh With 10,000 Saints
In Revelation – He is the Alpha And Omega, the Lion Of Judah, the Bright And Morning Star,
the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords
VII. The Unique Wonder of It’s Promises
1. The Promise of Salvation
2. The Promise of Forgiveness of Sin
3. The Promise of Eternal life
4. The Promise of Heaven
5. The Promise of Jesus Coming again
6. The Promise of Hope – The Word of God is all about hope in a hopeless world.
Life is all about choices.
Salvation is a decision
Seven Wonders Of The Word Of God
Ps 19:7-14
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Introduction
Psalm 19 and especially these verses have been a favorite of mine for many years. It first came to my attention as a young Christian over thirty years ago when I first heard it sung on an old record by a youth singing group.
This Psalm along with Ps. 119 is one of two Psalms dedicated to extolling and exalting the Word of God.
Christians are often accused of worshipping the Bible. This is not true. We worship the God who wrote it. He alone deserves our worship. But at the same time the Bible makes this declaration concerning the Word of God.
Ps 138:2
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
David said of God in this Psalm, “Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”
The Bible truly is a wonderful book – a book full of wonders. This morning I would like us to consider some of these Wonders of the Word of God. First let’s look at:
I. The Wonder of It’s Inspiration
The Bible is the most unique book ever written for it claims to have as it’s author God.
It may have been written over a period of 1600 years, on three continents, and by 40 different men. Yet it had only one author – GOD.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 Thess 2:13
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
It is inspired, that is “God-breathed”.
It declares that it is the word of God. The expression “the Lord said” or “the Lord spoke occurs over 2000 times in the OT alone.
II. The Wonder of It’s Formation
The Bible contains 66 books – 39 in the OT and 27 in the NT.
The 39 books of the O.T. are written primarily in Hebrew, with a little Aramaic, and the 27 books of the N.T. are written exclusively in Greek. Yet these diverse authors each in their own way present a unified portrait of God’s plans and purposes in our world.
The 27 books that make up the New Testament were written over a 50 year span, and they deal with Jesus Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, the beginning of the Christian church, and instruction about how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ.
In the King James it contains 1,189 chapters and 31,173 verses.
It was written by 40 authors ranging from kings, to statesmen, to doctors, to farmers and shepherds.
The Bible was written over a period of 1,600 years on three continents.
The Bible is an entire library of different kinds of literature. As to different kinds of literature, the Bible contains history, poetry, humor, prophecy, romance, letters, biographies, songs, journals, advise, laws and stories.
1. It’s Diverseness
a. The Bible is not a book of history – yet it is historical.
b. The Bible is not a book of science – yet it is scientific.
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Rev. (Mrs)Ifeoma R. Fiiriter is an end-time Apostle and Visionary with a strong prophetic edge to her ministry. Her passion for God, His presence and His word, has given her intense insight into the heavenly realm. She has also been uniquely endowed by God with great grace, wisdom, and many other gifts of the Holy Spirit which empower her to effectively serve Him in many capacities in the Body of Christ and in the marketplace.
She is Co-Founder and Overseer of the Robe of Righteousness Ministries International, a ministry on the cutting edge of God’s global glory outpouring, spreading the unlimited fragrance of His love, healing, and revival to the nations. She is the Founder & President of the Eminent Ladies Club, an international, inter-denominational ministry committed to raising women to active, victorious, Christian faith and witness. Alongside her husband, Rev. Daniel, she also pastors the Tabernacle of Glory, and hosts dynamic Healing Glory Outpouring Rallies.
Apostle Ifeoma Fiiriter is an anointed Woman of Prayer, Psalmist, Preacher, Musician, Recording Artist, Entrepreneur, Wisdom Coach / Life Mentor, and Conference Speaker. Her unique mentoring approach has lifted many lives out of affliction into tasting the fulfillment of their dreams and visions.
She is a Prolific Writer & Author of 28 life-changing books, including—God’s Extravagant Goodness; Potent Secrets Of Breakthrough Prayer; Your Prophetic Breakthrough Prayer Capsules For Dominion; Wonders Of The Word Of God; Honey From The Wilderness; Wisdom Is The Principal Thing: Maximizing The Treasure Of Divine Wisdom; Unveiling His Glory; 40 Days With The God Of Elijah; Triumph Of Love; Lord, Open My Eyes; Interpreting Your Dreams & Visions; Keys To Successful Waiting On The Lord; From Lodebar To The Palace: Maximizing The Power Of Divine Covenant; In The Footsteps Of David: Godly Wisdom Through The Life Of The Man After God’s Heart; God’s Weapons of Warfare; Unlocking the Riches of Divine Forgiveness; Tasting Your Grapes of Destiny; Receive Your Healing Now: A Practical Biblical Guide To Healing & Wholeness; Arise! Your Breakthrough is Here; Baptism Of The Holy Spirit: Embracing The Power And Purpose Of Speaking In Tongues; and Power Of Extravagant Praise & Worship: A Taste Of Songs Of Glory.
In addition, Apostle Ifeoma Fiiriter has written over 1,584 Songs of Glory downloaded to her by the Holy Spirit over a twenty year period. She has recorded twelve amazing Songs Of Glory Music Albums, one musical video of the original title track of her album, Favour Is My Name, and published her Songbook and Devotional Guide—Songs Of Glory Vol. One: 1,012 Heavenly Downloads Of The Holy Spirit From The Throne Of Grace.
Apostle Ifeoma Fiiriter’s strong, anointed prayer ministry, her bold and powerful proclamation of the gospel laced with compassion, and accompanied with signs, wonders and miracles, coupled with her writings, books, songs, music, and other ministry resources, are freeing innumerable lives world-wide from satanic yokes, and establishing them in the kingdom of God, and into fulfilling their destinies. Her simple, practical, and dynamic ministry style endears her into the hearts of all strata of people.
She holds an M.A. Degree in English Language; PG. Dip. Film & TV Production; and a Ministerial Diploma. She and her family live in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Sunday Breakfast with the Word 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time of the Year A
Sunday of the Word of God
The Wonders of the Word of God.
Isaiah 8:23-9:3, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17, Matthew 4:12-23
The Holy Roman Pontiff sets aside this Sunday for the enthronement of the Word of God. Our reflection today in connection with the readings of today will centre on this.
The Word of God has been totally neglected and sometimes seems to be disregarded by many. Many Christians today do not value the word of God, many find it hard even to read, reflect and live out the word.
The Pope’s emphasis on this celebration is to bring back our awareness about the nature, importance and wonders of the Word of God.
To fully understand the theology of the Word of God, we need to have recourse to the beautiful prologue of the Gospel of John chapter 1.
The first chapter of John’s gospel begins with the nature of the Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” is an indication that John was referring to the Word as God and a Person.
In verse 14, John tells us that “the word became flesh and now dwelt among us”. A statement to affirm that Jesus is the Word made flesh. God now speaks to us through His son.
This ascertains the personality and divine nature of the Word of God, through whom everything comes into being. This is a word not from any human being, not from the devil etc but the Word of God.
The word “of” denotes possession and ownership. When we hear it, it is not the person speaking, the word we hear belongs to God. Hence, if the word is of God, we have to understand that the Word of God is powerful and life-changing. The wonders of the word of God are beyond our imagination.
The Word is a Light.
The first reading of today from Isaiah 8:23-9:3 corroborates the second premise in the first chapter of John’s gospel.
In the second premise of the first chapter of Saint John, Saint John says that nothing came into being except through Him and what came into being was life, the life that was the light of all men, the light that shines in the darkness in which no darkness can overcome (John 1:5), then in verse 9, John says that the Word was the real light, that gives light to everyone (John 1:9).
Let us connect this with the prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading of today.
1. The prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading is historically set in the second half of the eighth century B.C. It was the era of the great Assyrian expansion in the Middle East.
The tribes of Zebulon and Naphtali, situated in northern Israel, were also involved in these military-political upheavals.
At that time, devastation, violence, deportation, and imposition of heavy taxes were the consequences of the invasion of armies coming from Mesopotamia. This dramatic situation is presented by Isaiah as a humiliation, permitted by the Lord.
In the region of Galilee, it was as if the chaos that reigned before the creation when “darkness covered the abyss” (Gen 1:2) had returned.
The fertile lands beyond the Jordan seemed shrouded in the darkness of a night without end. At that time, death reigned unchallenged almost everywhere. The people became depressed and almost lost all hope entirely.
2. At this time of general predicament, the voice of the prophet announces the dawn of a new day. The prophet Isaiah says:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. On those who live in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned”.
3. Therefore, in the gospel when Jesus left Nazareth after hearing about the death of John the Baptist and went to live in Capernaum, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, Matthew re-echoed what happened in the first reading and then sees this movement of Jesus to Zebulun and Naphtali as the fulfilment of the prophecy by Isaiah.
Therefore, Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Remember that John says that this Word made flesh is the light that shines in the darkness in which no darkness can overcome (John 1:5), then in verse 9, John says that the Word was the real light, that gives light to everyone (John 1:9).
So, the movement of Jesus to Zebulun and Naphtali means that light has come to visit them and enlighten their hearts.
4. Therefore, like Naphtali and Zebulun, only the word of God can enlighten the darkness in our world today.
Just like the situation in the first reading, The Word of God is a light for those in distress, a light for the abandoned and depressed, and guide for those in the darkness of sin.
The psalmist says in Psalms 119:105, “your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for the path. We need the word of God to find solace, guidance and hope during challenges. We need the word of God to ward off the darkness in our hearts. This is part of the wonders of the Word of God.
We Need the Word.
When Jesus sojourned to Zebulun, a land that was in total darkness, the first thing that Jesus did was to preach to them, then on the way, he began to call people to himself.
Then He goes around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
Therefore, what this means is that in the darkness of our hearts, in our sinful states, and our weaknesses, we need Jesus to sojourn in our hearts. We need Jesus to come into our lives.
First of all, what he needs from us is a change which comes through obedience to his word. He will then heal our wounds and weakness as He did in Galilee. The Word of God is life-changing.
We are also Heralds of the Good News.
We also are heralds of the gospel.
In the gospel, Jesus is never weary of preaching the Word. He was also able to call people to himself through His words and actions.
In Matthew 16, Jesus tells His apostles to go to the whole world and do the same, that is proclaim the good news. This is the responsibility of every Christian.
This, in essence, means that our vocation is to win souls for Jesus Christ just like Jesus was doing today and the only way we can do that is to value the word and consequently be the gospel we preach.
2. In the second reading, Paul emphasizes that he was called to preach the gospel. Paul made a lot of converts and won many souls for God. This is the mission for all. Let us not be ashamed of the gospel nor grew weary of the good news.
I invite all to allow the Word of God to dwell in us richly using the words of the Letter to the Colossians, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Colosians 3:16) In responding to the Word of God, Mary is our model, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).
Conclusion.
1. In preaching the word of God, Jesus was not only satisfied with the people around him. He was not just satisfied with the people who gathered to listen to him. Jesus was always on the move. He continues to gather more people to Himself, touching lives and converting souls without tiring.
Jesus shows that deepest desire to bring more flock to Himself, moving to the deepest part of the neighbourhood.
Secondly, He does not opt for the comforts of only some familiar faces or satisfied with the people who are interested to come to Him.
Rather, Jesus embraces God’s call to find those who though do not want to hear the word of God but need the word of God. Some people need the word of God, let us bring the word of God to them.
Hence, Jesus teaches us to do the same. He teaches us not to be tired of touching lives but to seek more souls and go beyond our reach and expectation to bring souls to God.
We do not only face those little groups of people who come to us every week, rather we should find avenues to seek more. God wants some more.
2. The gospel of today also recounts how Jesus calls some of his disciples to the vocation to become fishers of men. And the way to do this is to spread the Good News.
The disciples of Jesus did not fulfil this task by folding their hands and waiting for God to come down from heaven and do it for them.
The disciples of Jesus did not enter the room because of the persecution and hatred at that time. Rather, in the midst of these, they continue to spread the message of the gospel.
In the same way, we cannot be fishers of men when we are afraid to come out or when we fold our hands doing nothing. By spreading the message of the gospel, these disciples touched and converted a lot of souls.
The only way to fulfil our mission of touching lives is by spreading the gospel, spreading love, peace, unity, etc and preaching the message of repentance and fighting evil.
3. The word of God is full of wonders. Speaking about the wonders of the word of God, Paul says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans. 1:16).
The problem is that we do not have time to read and digest the word of God. Sometimes, we relegate it to the background and see it as nothing.
The Bible says that the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrew. 4:12).
When you preach the word, you will never understand the number of souls that you can touch and bring back to God. It is our function to work, but only God grants the increase.
4. Many people find it very boring to read the bible. Sometimes, we find it very easy and better to spend time reading novels than the Bible. The problem is that we are yet to understand the power and wonders of the word of God.
The Bible is the only book that contains every aspect of human life that can help and equip man. The Bible contains great instructions that can equip us spiritually, morally, socially, financially and psychologically.
It is a great book of comfort in times of challenges and difficulties. I submit to you that the Bible is the most interesting book you have ever picked up. The wonders of the word of God are beyond what an eye can see.
5. Speaking about the wonders of the word of God, Isaiah says “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will never return to me empty but must accomplish whatever I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).
This shows the irresistible supernatural power contained in God’s word. Whenever it is spoken, it will not return to Him empty.
Therefore, let us not be afraid to speak the Word of God. It is very powerful that it will always accomplish its desires and purposes.
The wonders of the word of God are so because God guarantees that His Word is always effective. God says in the book of Jeremiah 23:28-29 “Let the one who has my word speak it faithfully… “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
So, let us always Think of the Word of God as a hammer. In the same way, a hammer will always drive home nails, the word of God will always bring positive effects.
May God help us to obey and do His word. May He never forsake you. Amen