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NEHEMIAH 8:1-10

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31

LUKE 4:14-21

The Word of life is the theme for our reflection. The Word of life has two important meanings for Christians. Firstly, the Word of life is the Bible as we have it. It is the combination of the Old and New Testament. Secondly, the Word of life is Jesus Christ. It should be noted that the Old Testament points to Jesus and Jesus is the fulfilment of the Old Testament. Jesus is the source and subject matter of the New Testament. Jesus is therefore the personification of Scripture. It is for this reason John 1:1-4 says that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind”. We shall now proceed to discuss the importance of the Word of life:

1. The Word of Life revives and reforms those who yearn for it.
2. The Word of life guides the body of Christ to be united.
3. The word of life brings liberation and salvation.

Firstly, after returning from exile and having settled on their land, the people of Israel yearned for a Spiritual revival and a deeper relationship with God. In the first Scripture reading, we realised that “…Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:9) The people wept because for a long time they had hungered for the Word of life, their attentiveness and reaction was a sign of revival and seeking for a deeper relationship with God after several years in exile. The Word of life had penetrated their souls and spirits. “For the word of God is alive 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.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. (Hebrews 4:12-13). Jesus assures that “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6). The Word of life is the only way to seek true spiritual and moral revival and reformation. Dear friend, how often do you hunger and thirst for the Word of Life, do you have a habit of reading and listening to God’s Word? Does the Scripture and Sermons you listen to have any positive impact on your life? If it does, how does it affect your relationship with other people and God and how does it manifest in your work as a believer?

Secondly, if we seek unity and progress in our ministry and mission as a church then we need to be guided by the Word of life and the Holy Spirit because “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free —and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). In other words, Jesus is the Word of life and He is not divided, in Him we are one body but are given divergent ministries through the enablement of the Holy Spirit for one mission, to preach and bring salvation to as many people as we can. A divided church is ignorant about the Word of life who is Jesus Christ. The Church of Christ must develop love for the study of Scripture and to know and practice the Word of life to ensure that love and peace prevail in the body of Christ.

Thirdly, Jesus, who is the manifestation of the Word of life has brought libration and salvation to those who believe in Him as Lord and Saviour, Isaiah’s prophesy is fulfilled in Jesus as captured by Luke that “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19). In other words, Jesus is the practical manifestation of the Word of life. He has brough us Good News, liberation, enlightenment and total salvation to those who put their faith in Him. God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus making Him the Word of life. Do you have Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour? if you have Him in your life then you have the Word of Life and you are certainly on the path of eternal life.

In conclusion, the Word of Life revives and reforms those who yearn for it, the Word of life guides the body of Christ to be united for the ministry and mission of God, last but not the least, the word of life brings liberation and salvation to those who believe in Jesus Christ. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest and abide with us. Amen

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)