39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, "Well said, teacher!" 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
I am reminded of the Proverb which states:
11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Prov 25:11 (NIV)
An appropriately timed and properly fitted word – even if it is a rebuke – can be most profitable to the hearer. When we say the right things at the right times it benefits both us and those to whom we are speaking. Proverbs also tells us:
23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply--and how good is a timely word! Prov 15:23 (NIV)
I have a confession to make; I am a bit jealous of those who possess the ability to proclaim the Truth in love in such a fashion that penetrates to the heart of the hearer. I stand in awe of silver tongue orators of the Truth who succinctly wield the Sword of the Spirit, awakening and convicting those dead in their sins, encouraging those struggling in their infirmities and sorrows, and bringing hope to those who are downtrodden and hopeless. God’s Word is powerful and not boring – shame on us for making it so! It is alive and penetrating judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Is that not what the writer of Hebrews claims God’s word to be capable of?
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. Heb 4:12 (NIV)
God’s Word is powerfully relevant to any audience albeit how unaware they are to this fact.
“The Word of God is very living and active, in seizing the conscience of the sinner, in cutting him to the heart, and in comforting him and binding up the wounds of the soul. It is powerful. It convinces powerfully, converts powerfully, and comforts powerfully. It is powerful to batter down Satan’s kingdom, and to set up the kingdom of Christ on the ruins of it. It is sharper than any double-edged sword. It will enter where no other sword can, and make a more critical dissection: it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, the soul and its habitual prevailing temperament; it makes a soul that has been a long time of a proud spirit to be humble, of a perverse spirit to be meek and obedient. This sword divides between joints and marrow. This sword can make men willing to undergo the most painful operation for the conquering of sin. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The word will turn the inside of a sinner out, and let him see all that is in his heart.” Matthew Henry
The promise of Scripture, penned by the Prophet Isaiah, states that God’s Word will never return to Him void:
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
We are to humbly “hold out the word of life” to others, through the power of the Holy Spirit, always pointing them to the source of God’s Word which is the first and the final authority. We are to be a conduit for the Spirit’s power but we are not the source.
“Remember that you can never give another person what you have found, but you can cause him to have a desire for it.” Oswald Chambers
We are to challenge others to seek the light from the same source as we – beware of Who not who it is that gets the glory! If the praise and glory of man is attributed to another of like nature then it is wrongly applied. The glory belongs to God alone – let no flesh ever glory in His presence!
“To be sought after for wisdom is flattering to the ego. Recognize this snare, and be on your guard against it, and bring the flesh to quick crucifixion. Do not be used as a substitute for God to anyone. Be a channel for the ministries of My Spirit, but never be a free giver of advice. Curb the impulse. Give to the other the source of your knowledge – even the Scripture passage where the answer may be found – so that My Word is constantly the first and the final authority. I will honor My Word, and I will honor those who give My Word the sacred preeminence it deserves. My Word shall never return void. It shall accomplish My purposes.” Frances J. Roberts
89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Psalms 119:89-93 (NIV)
165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalms 119:165 (NIV)