Week 29—Saturday Psalm 107:1-2
Week 29—SATURDAY
“ANY WORD OF EXHORTATION”
This word become flesh emphasis is seen in contrast to the Jewish conception in this incident. In Antioch in Pisidia the rulers of the synagogue said to Paul and Silas: “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it” (Acts 13:15). They expected “a word of exhortation,” something to whip up peoples’ wills to make them try a little harder, to be a little better. It was the Word become word—word of exhortation. But Paul stood up and replied, “And we bring you the good news . . . that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (13:32, 38).
The rulers of the synagogue expected them to bring a word of exhortation—good views, a philosophy or moralism. Instead of bringing good views, Paul brought them Good News! Good News that through “this man” forgiveness of sins could be found and experienced here and now. It was “this Man” offering this experience. It was not the Word become word—an exhortation—it was the Word become flesh—an exhibition. It could be seen and felt and experienced. It was not words attempting to whip up the jaded wills of men; it was an offer of redemption to those jaded wills, so they would be no longer jaded—they would be joyous and spontaneous. This was Good News!
So the account says, “As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next sabbath” (vs. 42). Asked that the same sermon be repeated the next sabbath! With us now that isn’t done! People ask that the next sabbath they hear something new and different. For to them the Word becomes word—good views. But here the Word was so fresh out of the heart of Reality that they wanted it over again. So the account further reads: “The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered together to hear the word of God” (vs. 44). People will not listen to the Word become word over and over again—they demand novelty. But if the sermons are not sermons, but the Word become flesh, then it is new by its very nature. Hence the demand to hear it over again!
O Jesus we never tire of your words. We have repeated them for a lifetime. Yet they are always fresh—new depths, new meanings, new everything. Eternal newness presents itself in you. And yet eternal oldness too. We thank you, thank you. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: My life shall not be good views—clever; it shall be Good News—converted!