May 1: Heed God's Word

Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.

A writer to Reader’s Digest shared this insightful endorsement of Scripture. She wrote, “My doctor had recommended surgery and referred me to a specialist. Arriving early for my appointment, I found the door unlocked and the young surgeon, deeply engrossed in reading, behind the receptionist’s desk. When he didn’t hear me come in, I cleared my throat. Startled, he closed the book, which I recognized as a Bible. “Does reading the Bible help you before or after an operation?” I asked. My fears were dispelled by his soft, one-word answer: “During.”

Unlike this inquiring physician, however, many of us have failed in recognizing and applying the incredible value of the Word of God. While we claim to believe its truths, it often remains on our shelves with little attention given to reading it, much less studying and applying it. For a Book that is wholly inspired by the Spirit of God, and one that testifies so definitively to our eternal confidence, it would seem prudent to acknowledge its authority, recognize its relevance and apply its truths. As President Ronald Reagan once said: “Within the covers of one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems that face us today – if only we would read and believe.”

The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, as recorded in chapter 36, for the purpose of motivating the people of Judah to turn from evil and to experience God’s forgiveness (36:1-4). Likewise, the Bible is given to reveal the glory of God with the primary purpose of transforming our lives through its revelation of God’s grace. Without daily attention to its truths, however, we can never fully experience that purpose.

When the Word was brought forth, the officials who were in power became fearful of its consequences as they suddenly realized the gravity of God’s caution in His Word. The impact upon them caused them to insist on the king’s attention (36:14-16). They were fearful because they realized at the hearing of God’s Word that they were not living according to God’s will. Such is the case for all who truly hear God’s Word. The power of its revelation is a conviction and a piercing to our souls (Hebrews 4:12).

Jehoiakim’s foolishness, however, in destroying the scroll showed his contempt for God’s Word and brought upon him the wrath of God’s judgment (36:22-25,29-30a). The power of God’s Word demands obedience, or peril will follow. Such is the case for anyone who denies God’s Word as authoritative and determines to disobey.

An unknown writer prescribed this reaction to God’s Word, “This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.”