"God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees and in the flowers and clouds and stars." – Martin Luther

I once viewed the Word of God as simply a system of laws and rules to obey. At least, that's what I absorbed through the speech and lives of those in my childhood Christian community. God's Word was more about us and what we were supposed to do than about God and what He does. No wonder I couldn't fathom the psalmist's bold claim, "Oh, how I love your law!" (Psalm 119:97a NIV 2011) What was there to love?! For me, the Word of God was compressed into a cage of manageable concepts.

Thankfully, God cracked opened that cage for me, to let the Word explode into its boundless expanse. I began to realize that the Word of God is as boundless as God Himself. It's revealed, not merely in written text, but through His entire created order — and far beyond!

Psalm 33:6 – By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

Psalm 119:89 – Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

Mark 13:31 – (Jesus said) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

God's Word includes His glorious promise to humanity, fixed in eternity, fulfilled through His Son, experienced through rebirth.

John 1:1-2,14a – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

I ask: Who can escape this boundless Word of God? No one! Neither the most resistant heart, nor the most defiant civilization can shield itself from God's penetrating, living Word:

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Jeremiah 23:29 – "Is not my word like fire," declares the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?"

As for you and me, the Word of God is our very survival:

Matthew 4:4b – Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

That's not merely some memorized verses or formal readings. No! It's the infinite expression of God's Word — in its boundless, eternal presence, its power, authority, proclamation, promise, manifestation … the very life of God Himself. That's what we live on — every second of our existence!

Let's admit it: It's possible to defend the infallibility of Scripture, yet our grasp of God's Word may be so inadequate that we are nearly atheists. Yet how would we know, apart from God's penetrating Word exposing the deep corners of our hearts? May God's Spirit keep on doing just that, till the following prayers from Psalm 119 become our very own utterances:

Prayer: My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. (v20) My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. (v28) Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. (v161) How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (v103) Amen.

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About the author:

Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
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