“…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever.” 1 Peter 1:23
Words
I can testify, and I’m sure you can join me in testifying, that our words are often and easily misunderstood. I’d be a rich woman if I had a nickel for every time someone thought I was saying (or writing) one thing when in my mind I was saying (or writing) something else entirely. It is a difficult process to say exactly what we mean to say, and to have it be received and understood exactly as you intended. Communication is always subject to the listener’s moods, thoughts, experiences, and beliefs.
Not so with the Word of God, thankfully. Whatever we may think of it, it remains true. Wherever and whenever we live, it speaks to the same issues all mankind faces. It will never fade away, and is uniquely able to bring new life.
You can argue with my words, but you can’t argue with God’s. You can change or manipulate my words, but not God’s. You can even call me a liar, but you can’t call God one. “Let God be true, and every man a liar…” (Romans 3:4a) refers to the fact in the previous verse that even if we don’t believe what He says, it is still true! You can say my words apply to some people but not others, but no one can say this of God’s Word.
God’s Word is an imperishable, incorruptible seed. Thus, it plants life that is imperishable and incorruptible—eternal life with the Father. This seed brings not only salvation and faith, but also what we call “new life”, a spiritual rebirth that produces new ways of seeing, new depth of hearing, new methods of walking. It brings renewed hope, strength, vitality, and reborn purpose for living. Purity is restored; minds are renewed. ALL things are made new by the Word of God.
One last thought on today’s Scripture: if God’s Word was meant to bring new life to every person who ever lived, then it would, by definition, HAVE to live forever!
“Jesus, You are the living Word Who came to show us the way to the Father. Thank You that You are incorruptible and imperishable. Be glorified in us as You “plant” Yourself right inside of us through Your indwelling Holy Spirit. In Your Name we pray, Amen.”
Boy, that first paragraph describes me perfectly. I have had so many people upset with me over something I said that upset them. The problem is I don’t know what happened until they avoid me. I’m glad I’m not the only one, Thanks for the comments – I needed them.
I too am currently in a situation where I thought I would/did communicate clearly, but I felt completely misunderstood. I am praying over the situation and hope it has a happy ending.