God’s Word and a Mighty Savior

The first two verses of our passage illustrate the contrast between God and us. I think of family and friends who have preceded me in death. We daily read the accounts of others who are like the beautiful flower of today that is gone tomorrow. The contrast between human flesh and the word of God is stark. That was true of the Israelites and their captors, the Babylonians. God does not want us to live in perpetual fear, anxiety or depression about our mortality. God has offered us a plan. The Bible reveals that plan in a sweeping narrative. We find guidance, comfort and peace from the Scriptures. We have a message to share with the world. We want to proclaim the good news that our Savior comes to us in a mighty way. God is transcendent. Yet, God is near. God is like a good shepherd with strength to defeat the enemy and tenderness to protect His flock. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is both God and human at the same time. God has come to us in Jesus in both strength and humility. Jesus is both “the Lion of Judah” and the “Lamb of God.” John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said he was “a man of one book” (the Bible). It was his authority and guide. When the Scripture is not our guide, we are our own authority. The written word points us to our need for a savior. - Pastor Tom Harrison