God Said

Micah 2:7c English Standard Version (ESV) Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly?

The Word of the Lord does good just by our speaking the Word. What we fail to comprehend is the inherent nature of God’s voice. He spoke creation into existence. We quote scriptures to encourage and educate yet do not give a seconds thought of the power being released on the hearers.

Isaiah 55:11 English Standard Version (ESV) so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

We often quote the Word of the Lord with intentions which may or may not serve the will of God. Our intentions cannot change His will or cause His Word to fail. When we do not see the expected results we may doubt ourselves but we should not doubt God. Look to Isaiah 55:11 again and in particular to the line “return to me”. His Word comes full circle and we have no idea how long that will take to accomplish.

The first Line of Micah 2:7 contains the words “Has the Lord grown impatient?” No He has not, we have.

Impatience weakens faith, not in its power but in our execution. Being human we are subject to human frailties. Our weakness does not affect the power of His Word, it might even empower it. Hidden within our emotions of weakness lies the embers of humility.

James 4:10 English Standard Version (ESV) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Humility, especially in a group setting, allows the Word of the Lord to be heard. Hear it, repeat it and allow the Word to do what it alone can do.

The Answer Man

1 Corinthians 13:2 English Standard Version (ESV) And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Let us explore the issue of knowledge here and how it relates to love.

There was a man who bragged of all his exploits. There was no humility to be found. His theology was somewhat off target. At times it appeared that his words were leading some into danger. I stood against him and announced “No, that is not true.” Then I spoke truth into the situation. From that moment on he was careful not to speak up around me.

Sometime later he announced that he was leaving our church because there was no room for his ministry here. He took a dear widow woman with him whom he convinced that he was wise and learned in God’s word. I felt a responsibility for losing her from people that loved her.

Here is where I went wrong. I didn’t love that man. I failed to love him and my approach to his weaknesses prevented him from receiving any correction. Wisdom should have seen that correction can only be given to those who humble themselves and submit themselves to the authority of leadership.

It would have been better to reason with this man by at least asking him to consider relevant passages and include him in the discussion. My blunt approach shut the door to reason, stiffened his resolve, and perhaps even hardened his heart.

Proverbs 15:1-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.