Living out the word. (Proper A4)

I only caught the end of Insight for Living tonight as I drove home. At the end of his sermon, "What every worshiper should know," Chuck Swindol prayed that we would know truely the changing power of the word in our lives.

It impacted me to tears to think about the significance and power of the word to change our lives. How can we make more than a ritual responce to the word, more than lip sevice to our commitment to the truth in its pages? How can our preaching the word last the week, Sun, Mon, everyday?

Selah. Lets mediate on that.







What encompasses the word to your mind? Is it summed up in the ten commandments? Is it the Bible? Is it the person of Christ? Is it the speaking voice of God echoing down through eternity, creating the universe, recreating our lives, sharp and swift as a double edged sword?

Context in the season

It is interesting that:

• Last week God created, this week he destroys and recreates.
• Although Noah is faithful, he is still sinful man in the image of first adam.

• Last week, Jesus commissions the disciples with authority enjoining them to teach them, “to obey everything I have commanded you.” This week he warns that not all those who do things in his name know him. We are known by our fruits – are we following his commands?

Starting with Deuteronomy (Proper A4)

The Word of God is precious. It is to be taught. It is to be kept. It comes with a curse set before those who ignore it, and a blessing before those who love it.

How abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone!

The Word is the Righteousness of God embodied in Jesus, a gospel that is the power of God unto the salvation of those who by faith embrace the Word. Who is it that will be saved? Who hasn't sinned? Who can boast?

The Word is the foundation. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." It isn't hard, Jesus tells us what his will is. If we listen and obey his words, we are like a wise builder, building on a strong foundation.

Starting with Genesis (Proper 4A)

Surging and menacing water is the common imagery for trials and tribulations in this week's readings.

The familiar story of Noah is abbreviated and the hook to the other readings is in a verse snatched from chapter seven. "And the waters swelled on the earth for one hundred fifty days."

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult,

is the psalmist's Selah.

Jesus alludes to the story of the wise and foolish builders as he talks about those who do what he says. When the storm comes your foundation is tested. Our sure foundation is the Word. When we are rooted on him, we find refuge and strength, and we have no shame.