27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
The idea of physical relationships in Jesus’ day was of utmost importance. The Jews took great pride in being the descendants of Abraham. In our verses for today, Jesus points out that this was unimportant in comparison to hearing and heeding God’s Word. Scripture is replete with passages of the importance of appropriating Scripture into our lives. This is how we “grow-up” in Christ. Paul tells us in II Timothy:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)
The writer of Hebrews states: 12 For the word of God is living 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. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:12-13 (NIV)
I have often said that one cannot continue reading the Bible without either changing or quitting – it is just too convicting! God has a way with His Word that always seems to penetrate into the heart of our issues. Psalm 119 affords many apt descriptions and commands regarding God’s precious Word. While not an exhaustive list, below are some I considered particularly interesting: . By hiding God’s Word in our hearts it keeps us from sinning (V 11). The statues presented are to be our delight and our counselors (V 24). The Word strengthens us (V 28). The laws are righteous (V 75). The laws are delightful (V 77). We can put our hope in God’s Word (V 81). God’s commands are trustworthy (V 86). God’s Word is eternal standing firm in the heavens (V 89). God’s commands are boundless (V 96). God’s commands make us wiser than our enemies (V 98). God’s Word is sweeter than honey (V 103). We gain understanding from God’s precepts (V 104). God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (V 105). God’s statues are our heritage and joy (V 111). The unfolding of God’s Word gives light and understanding to the simple (V 130). God’s promises have been thoroughly tested (V 140). God’s Word is true (V 142). God’s statues were established to last forever (V 152). God’s promises preserve our life (V 154). Great peace for those who love God’s law and nothing can make them stumble (V 165) Those are some pretty wonderful descriptions to whet our appetites! God’s Word is both precious and valuable yet unfortunately many of us neglect it – to our own harm. The more we delve into His perfect Word the more we realize that we cannot live without it. Just as we must have our daily intake of food for our physical health to maintain strength and perseverance so, too, we must have our daily intake of the “food” of God’s Word for our spiritual health to maintain the like (not to mention wisdom and discernment!). Certainly I am not the only one out there that has experienced a starvation, so to speak, of God’s Word – picking up a crumb here and there to sustain me. What a pathetic way to live. I was definitely the big loser. It does not take one long to spiral down in their thinking. Before we know it, we are blending with the world and that is not a pretty sight for a child of the King! We are told in II Timothy: 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (NIV) 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)
God does not take neglect or mishandling of His Word lightly. It is His Word to us – the revealed will from the Creator to the creation. I think that it would behoove us to pay attention (to say the least)! I believe that if we made it a practice to daily meet with Him in His Word we would state as the Prophet Jeremiah did:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. Jer 15:16 (NIV)
May we not be satisfied with a cursory drop of “milk” in regards to God’s Word but long for more of Him by feasting on the finest “meat” that His Word allows. In saturating ourselves with His Word it will become our joy and delight.