MORNING MANNA 3-1-23
GOD’S WORD
“And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.”- Colossians 4:16
For the members of a first century church, receiving a letter from Paul was a major event. In some cases, the apostle had only been in a city for a few days or a week before leaving. In other places, like Ephesus or Corinth, he was there longer. The letter to the Colossians was written to people Paul had never even met. Because Paul spent so much time in prison, he was often not able to return to see the people he had led to the Lord. With the difficulty and danger of travel in those days, it would often be weeks or even months after the epistle was written that it would arrive for its intended audience. These letters were read, studied, copied, and passed around, not just from person to person but even from church to church. It was a vital means of instruction and guidance for the believers.
Today we often take the Word of God for granted. We have multiple copies in our homes. We have access to the Scriptures and numerous Bible study tools on our phones, tablets, and computers. We can read or listen to the Bible no matter where we are. It is critical that we not allow this ease of access and familiarity to diminish our sense of awe and wonder at what God has given us in His Word. Just as He has done through the centuries, God is still looking for people who treat the Word of God with awe and reverence and a commitment to obedience. “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). The Bible is far more than a collection of ancient stories and religious teachings. It is God’s revelation of Himself to us, and it contains His perfect direction and guidance for our lives. Our love and service for God are shaped by, grounded on, and empowered by His Word. ( Daily in the Word)
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.
