You know, we live in a changing world. The seasons change, laws change, and public opinions seem to change often nowadays. On my way to work each day, I’ve been passing a church sign that I really like. It says, “We don’t change the message – the message changes us!” Don’t you love that? We have no right to change God’s Word. For in Malachi 3:6, it says, “For I am the Lord, I change not”. Isaiah said, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8). The final words from God to man have to do with His Word. “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away His part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19). As I’m fond of saying saying, “Opinions are like noses – all God’s children have one, but He didn’t ask me for mine, and He didn’t ask you for yours.” He knows what He wants and how He wants to be worshiped. We have no right to “add our two cents in.”
No, we can’t change God’s message, but, oh how God’s message should change us. “The word of God is quick, and powerful (living and active) and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). That sincere milk of the Word helps us to grow (I Peter 2:2). “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalms 119:130). We find “hope in Thy Word” (Psalms 119:114). It cleanses us – “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3).
My Friends, without God’s Word – that beautiful message, we would be lost, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). I remember a sermon that really made me think. I told the preacher, “Man, you sure stepped on my toes this morning.” He replied, “I was aiming for your heart.” Wow! “May the Word of Christ dwell within you richly” (Colossians 3:16), and may you “write on my heart every Word – “hide it there so you might not sin against Him” (Psalm 119:11). We are simply blessed, Courtney
Timely topic–thanks!