The Power and Importance of God's Word

Do not let the ending of the story in Luke 16:19-31 escape you.

   The rich man is in agony. He has begged for relief (none is forthcoming). Now, he is begging for a miracle for his family that he has left behind. He was certain that if a messenger from the dead showed up at his father’s house his family would give up their selfish ways and repent. They would be faithful to the Lord and avoid torment if only Lazarus would shock them with a miraculous message from the other side. If only!

   We know of other cases where someone was raised from the dead and it did not lead to a 100 percent conversion rate. In fact, there was a different man named Lazarus who was indeed raised from the dead by Jesus (John 11:43-44). The result? Some believed (John 11:45), but others wanted to kill both him and Jesus (John 11:53; 12:9-11).

   Most obvious and significant of all is the resurrection of Jesus. He conquered the grave and demonstrated His power, majesty, and the perfection of God’s plan (Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 1:3; 3:21). And yet, many did not believe even then (cf. Matthew 28:11-15; Mark 16:9-14).

   The signs and wonders themselves do not save; they point to the One who saves.

   Like the rich man’s family, you and I are not to wait on a miracle before we repent. We have been given the word of God! We have been called through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14). The written evidence is presented for us to believe and have life (John 20:31).

   How powerful and important is the word of God?

• The gospel message is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). 

• It is living, active, and able to reveal the deepest aspects of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).

• It is that which gives life and saves souls (James 1:18, 21).

• It is indestructible and timeless (1 Peter 1:23-25).

   THAT IS POWERFUL!

   Now . . . the question is, how will we respond to it?