“He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy Him, and they could not find anything that they might do, for all the people were hanging on to every word He said.” (Luke 19:47-48)
People followed Jesus because His words were powerful. He had not been brainwashed by traditions. He made no false assumptions. He had no ulterior motives. Even from the earliest moments of Jesus’ ministry, people were “amazed at His teaching” (Mark 1:22). People followed Him and listened to Him. He did not speak empty platitudes or culturally accepted clichés. In fact, they “were hanging on to every word He said.”
What power these words must have had! We can picture words being spoken by Jesus, one at a time, one phrase at a time. Men and women waited for each nugget of truth, almost holding their breath to take in what He said. And as Jesus spoke, people tried to “catch” His words as they “fell,” almost afraid that if they relaxed their attention they might miss something. This required enormous concentration and complete submission.
Today, we still can sit in the Presence of Jesus. We still can spend time in His Word. This Word “is alive and active, sharper than any double edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). But to get the full measure of this Word, we need to listen attentively.
God wants to reveal the depths of His Word to you. But you need to set yourself apart from the world. You need to be freed from clichés, stereotypes, traditions, and ulterior motives. Read and think about the Word. Meditate on it. Pray about it. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. It still is powerful, alive, and active. It will transform your life in ways you cannot imagine.
Prayer
Father, open my eyes that I might have more insights into Your truth. Open my ears that I might hear You more clearly. Speak to me. Change me. Use me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
