LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Words of Life
Solomon said: "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but the perverseness thereof is a breaking of the spirit" (Prov. 15:4). He also said: "The lips of the righteous feed many" (Prov. 10:21).
What wonderful attraction did the word of the most wonderful of men, the Lord Jesus Christ, exert? He is presented in John's Gospel as the eternal Word of God, that is, the Word, who makes known the thoughts of God. What sublime attraction did his words possess, that we still read them with emotion today? Truly, his words, as he said, are spirit and are life.
The sons of Korah said of Him, several centuries before His coming, inspired by the Holy Spirit: "Thou art the fairest of the sons of men; grace is poured upon thy lips" (Ps. 45:2). Luke testifies to the same, at his coming: "And all... were astonished at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth" (4:22). The crowds came from every place and, hearing him, they even forgot to eat. What was his word?
His word was the gospel, the good news of God, the good news of salvation. Therefore, his word was soft and gentle. The prophet had said: "It shall not strive, nor cry, neither shall any man hear its voice in the streets" (Mt. 12:19). From his loving lips, the sinful woman heard words of forgiveness, the grieving widow received words of comfort, the Samaritan woman heard words of salvation. How many heard these beautiful words: "Thy sins are forgiven thee", or "Thy faith hath made thee whole"? How many who asked for healing heard from his lips the "I will", which healed them?
His attention was focused on the little ones, of whom the children were an example. He taught that the greatest is the one who serves, and that the least is truly great; that the little ones must not be made to stumble; that, if they fall away, they must be retrieved; that, if they offend, they must be forgiven; that, if they draw near, they must be received. He brought to light the hypocrisies of the pseudo-religious who indulged in formalism, but had neglected justice and love. He said, quoting the prophet: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice", and: "These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me".
He taught, moreover, that judgment is in the hands of God, who alone is able to make a just judgment, and that mercy triumphs over judgment. He said that they are declared righteous by God, not those who justify themselves, but those who judge themselves. Then, on the cross, at the height of his weakness, he had words of salvation and forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do". The evildoer heard him say: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise".
Today, the Lord Jesus continues to speak in this way. The word of forgiveness still comes from His mouth to all who come to Him for help. God's good news is for you: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you are saved.