The Practice of God’s Word

“…And a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” - Acts 6:7b

Do you know why the last sentence of Acts 6:7 is so amazing? No one was more against Christianity, no one despised the name of Jesus more, and no one wanted to see Christianity stopped in its tracks more than Jewish priests. Among these priests were an untold number who helped to crucify Jesus. Yet, when they heard the preaching of God’s Word they were irresistibly drawn to the God of this Word and they gave up their Jewish religion for a relationship with Jesus.

As the early disciples preached God’s Word – and especially the words of Jesus – the world began to hear things they had never heard before. They heard how husbands should be faithful to their wives, how even the most vulnerable in society should be cared for, and how women should not be treated like property. People were drawn like iron to magnets to these unbelievable, life-changing truths.

It is not just preaching that changes lives. It is the preaching of the Word of God that changes lives. It is not speaking truth that transforms people; it is speaking God’s truth that transforms people. If we want to draw people to the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason, the magnet that should be in front of all others is God’s Word.

Understand, however, that the preaching of God’s Word not only attracts people but also repels people. It not only draws people to God, but it will drive people from God if they don’t accept the truth. We are not responsible for how people respond to God’s Word. It is our calling to faithfully share His truth with others. This is what I do know. When the Word of God is spread, people of all walks of life will become disciples and they will become followers of Jesus. And when we choose to be a disciple of Jesus, living our lives like He lived His, we get the awesome privilege of being part of God’s amazing work.

Father, help me to practice Your Word today as I follow You faithfully. In Jesus’ name, amen.