“And no one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Luke 20:40, NIV84)

While Jesus was teaching in the temple during the last week of His life, He faced numerous challenges from religious leaders who were trying to test/trip Him up. But to no avail! Jesus so rightly and precisely answered their challenges that He completely silenced them. No one “dared to ask Him any more questions.” Rather than tripping Jesus up, they found their own duplicity revealed. The Word of God has this uncanny ability to pierce through the image we portray and reveal with clarity the true intent of our hearts. The writer of Hebrews says that “the Word is living and active. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing between soul and spirit, joint and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

This is why it is essential that we remain firmly rooted in God’s Word. Even our minds and hearts need to be silenced and corrected. If life is like playing a chess game with God, then it is His Word that will always put us in a checkmate position. We need the Word of God to reveal our duplicity so that we might bring to Him an undivided heart. The psalmist wrote: “Teach me Your way O Lord, that I may walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name” (Psalms 86:11).

It is important that we do not forget the other purpose of God’s Word. It not only checkmates our sinful nature, it also gives life for our soul. God’s Word is always creating. It is always giving life, hope, and peace to the one who listens to it.

May we today and every day be committed to the Word of God.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church