day 21: Christ, the Word of God
/Readings: Isaiah 55:6-13, John 1:1-18, Hebrews 4:12-13, Revelation 19:11-16
The phrase "Word of God" is one we use and hear frequently, usually as another name for the Bible. But we also know from the Bible itself that the Word of God is more than a book or a collection of writings - it is Someone living, a title given to the Christ.
Before the Bible as we know it existed, the "word of God" usually referred to the telling of one of two things: either God's decree (as an agent of accomplishing His will - Isaiah 55:10-11) or God's desire (as an intermediary between God and man, communicating God's direction - Psalm 119:105). And the Christ is clearly both: He was sent to accomplish a very specific command of God to achieve the salvation of humanity, while also acting as our guide in the way of righteousness.
And yet as the living Word of God, He is more even than this.
John writes in Revelation,
He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations.
Revelation 19:13-15a
Christ, The Word of God, is not just the embodiment of God's decree or the communication of God's desire. He is not merely a principle or personification of these ideas. He is them - He is God's decree that salvation has come, and we know it because His robe is dipped in blood while the saints' are sparkling clean. He is God's standard of righteousness, and we know it because He has the power to strike down godless nations with just the sound of His voice.
This Word is dangerously effective. He is piercingly all-knowing. He is faithful and true. He is God.
