August 30, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 19

 

“The Word of God is the greatest, most necessary, and most important thing in Christendom. For the Sacraments cannot be without the Word, but the Word may well be without the Sacraments. If need be, one may be saved without the Sacrament, but not indeed without the Word, as those are who die before they receive the Baptism which they desire.”

Martin Luther

 

 

 

It has been said that words are the voice of the heart. This is most certainly true with God. The words He has given us, every one of them, has been fashioned in such a way in our hearts that we, His children, may be led to salvation. Every story of rebellion and love, sin and faithfulness, death and life has been woven into a tapestry of everlasting lifesaving words given so that we might be saved.

 

 

The writer to the Hebrews puts it this way, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The psalmist adds to this saying that God’s Word is “…a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

 

 

It is the Word of God that brings power to the Baptism. It is God’s words of blessing that consecrate the elements of Holy Communion. Without these powerful words, the Sacraments are rendered useless.

 

 

God has given us His Words found in Scripture, to guide us where we find ourselves lost, to encourage us when we have found ourselves in the valleys of life and to inform us when the questions in life face us. They are more than simple words in a story book, they are words that live in our hearts and connect us with our Creator. They pierce our spirit, motivate our hearts and guide our spiritual steps. They are an everlasting reminder of God’s love towards us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

 

 

Today, dig into God’s Word and let Him truly speak to you. Don’t read them as simple words but digest them to find their meaning. Let Him lead you through His Word to endless possibilities.

 

 

Our Prayer: Heavenly Father, reach us by Your Word so that we might learn more about You, our relationship with you and the future to come where we reside with You for all eternity. Amen.