Monday, July 16, 2012

Reflections on Thy Strong Word (verse 1)

God’s Word is unlike any other word in all creation. God’s Word is eternal, it is beyond our concepts of time and space. God’s Word is powerful; it makes things happen. This Word brought all things into being, and then when this perfect creation fell, this Word became flesh to redeem it. And even today, this Word breaks into hearts of stone, creating faith within sinful people, faith which saves from sin, death, and the power of the devil.

“Thy strong Word did cleave the darkness; at Thy speaking it was done. For created light we thank Thee, while Thine ordered seasons run. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end!”

The Word and the Light. These powerful images come together in two important places in the Scriptures. The first is at the beginning; Genesis chapter one, the creation from nothing of this universe and all that dwells therein. “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” God speaks, and it happens. Light is created by the power of the Word; Thy strong Word cleaves the darkness. God speaks, and it happens. God’s Word has a power ours does not; it is performative, it does what it says. At Thy speaking it was done. With the gift of light God sets in order time; both days and seasons. God is not an absent Creator. He creates, and then He sustains, preserving all of His creatures. It is His Word that brings forth light, even in the midst of darkness, and when the darkness of sin enters His world, His Word will bring light once again.

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