Day 78

I have two thoughts for you today: One from me and one from Diana. Please feel free to share your own by replying to all.

I want you to consider the Word and the word.

So many times we try to bring honor to God's word by capitalizing it as such: "The Word of God is so powerful" or, "I love to read the Word of God" or possibly even, "Have you been in the Word today?"

But have you ever noticed the difference between the Word and the word? There is a distinct difference.

The book of Acts contains the phrase "word of God" more times than any other book in the Bible. If I counted correctly, it appears 13 times in Acts. But notice they always use a lower case rendering of 'word'. Why do they do this? Because they are referencing God's written or spoken word: The Scriptures.

Let's take a look at how the phrase "Word of God" is used. You will notice that John distinctly personifies the Word and makes it a living being: God himself. Then he equates the Word with Jesus Christ in v. 14. The phrase "Word of God" literally refers to God himself, or Jesus. Also consider the following verses:

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard , which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon , and our hands have handled , of the Word of life;" (I John 1:1)

"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (I John 5:7)

"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." (Revelation 19:13)

Now take this idea to the interpretive level. What does the following verse mean?

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (I John 1:10)

Does the above verse mean that Jesus/God is not in us or the Scripture's are not in us as Psalm 119:11 states? Let me know what you think.

And here is a thought from Diana:

Notice in Acts 14:19-20 that the Jews were so enraged with Paul for preaching Jesus that they stoned him. Then thinking he was dead, they dumped his limp body outside the city.

Here's the funny bit. He gets right back up and goes back into the city where they tried to kill him!

You know what they say... If at first you don't succeed, try and try again!

I love you all! Have a blessed day!

Jay Silvas