Word of Life - Day 9

Hey Gals! Only two days left in this adventure, and today's is especially important (and shorter), as we discover the wonders of His Words...

His mouth is most sweet
Yes, He is altogether lovely

There is nothing sweeter to my soul than the words of the Lord laid gently upon my heart through His Word or His Spirit. Jesus spoke like no other. His tongue was the only one in all of creation that did not gossip, did not cruelly injure, did not lie or exaggerate. When he opened His mouth, it was intentional and personal and powerful. He never spoke an idle word. He never sinned with His lips! Can you imagine that? And not only were His words faultless, they were also life-giving.

When Christ spoke, the world was created! He breathed life into the universe and into the hearts of man. He spoke truth as no one had ever nor will ever hear apart from Him, and He did it with bewildering grace. “Those who heard Him marveled at His gracious words.” (ref) His words are purposeful and powerful, for all time and eternity. The Word, spoken by the Lord over 2000 years ago addresses every problem and circumstance of our life today. Are you lost, or confused? His words are the lamp for your feet and the light for your path. Are you in pain or need? They are health to your spirit and food for your souls. His Words are a storehouse of applicable, profound truth – the definition of all that is true and pure – and they are available to all people at all times. His mouth truly is most sweet!

The Word we read and memorize, the things He has said that we believe in faith, will be our blessings forever. It is profitable above all things to give our time and the soberest of attention to what He says, for it will be life to us, body and soul. Don’t miss even one precious opportunity to hear from God and to be transformed by His life-giving Word. His followers, His friends, who abide in His Word will have a constant source of sweet refreshment, transforming our hearts and minds, as well as the world around us. “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Ps 34:8)

We are cautioned in the Bible to be careful how we listen to Him. The Shulamite, one night, hears the voice of her beloved beckoning her to come away with Him. But she is tired, having had a long day, and is already comfortably retired for the night. So often we too, will sense the Lord’s gentle prompting to come and spend some time in prayer, and we apathetically say, “Maybe later, Lord.” Sometimes we hear a sermon or read a verse in the Bible and sense the Lord’s direct correction or guidance, and say, “Hum, interesting,” but then go about our way without obeying.

The Shulamite did not respond to his call, and she soon realized how much she missed his presence. In her delay, she missed the opportunity for intimacy with him, as we do also when we hesitate or ignore Jesus’ loving invitation. Open the door immediately when He knocks. Come away the second He calls, while that still small voice is still near and audible. And you will find these moments to be the sweetest.

The mouth of our Beloved also speaks of His acceptance and accessibility. No one who comes to Him will be turned away, and no one who knocks will He close the door to. Our grace and patience towards others runs out so quickly, but His never does. No one is ever beyond His acceptance this side of eternity. They need only ask and He will open His heart to us and our hearts toward Him. The loving, life and truth giving words which He speaks, the mouth and heart for which they come, truly defy all comprehension. Even His exhortation and correction is sweetness to our souls as we realize the heart of love from which they originate and the spirit of yearning for our good from which they come. No sweeter voice could I ever hear than my Lord’s whispered in my heart. Whether of approval or correction, both are equally as pleasant to my soul. Just to hear Him, be near Him, to know Him more is the true longing of my heart.

In her final description, there seems to me a sound of frustration at the complete inadequacy of words to capture her Beloved’s worth. After attempting to do so in seven beautifully poetic verses, she finally and simple states that he is “altogether lovely.” All the words in the world would fail to express His unmatchable attributes. How can our words capture the essence of Perfection? What can we say that can encompass the splendor and majesty of the One who is so far above all others? He is just altogether wonderful! There is no comparison to Christ. It is impossible to fully describe His grace and beauty, His gentleness and justice, His humility and power. Yet to endeavor to do so is a glorious, life long adventure!

“I sat down in His shade with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste.” (SoS 2:3)

Application:
1) What hinders you from hearing from God and spending time with Him?
2) What changes can you make to make this a greater priority and possibility in your life?