GOD GIVEN WORDS
22nd Jun 2022
When Solomon asked God for wisdom and a discerning heart, rather than riches and victory over his enemies, it was immediately put to the test as two mothers arrived with a dispute over a dead baby. Solomon gave a surprising answer, “Bring me a sword. Cut the living baby in two and give half to one and half to the other.” (1 Kings 3:24)
Surprising, dramatic words that brought the right result. This got me thinking about how we need “God given words” in so many situations of life. It is easy to delve back into our experience and give a trite answer when God will give us words that encourage, stir faith and resolve situations.
Jesus said in John 6:63, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” I find that challenging. Whenever we are in conversation with others, what is the effect of our words? A few days ago, we had some friends call for a coffee and a chat; they were on a journey to Cornwall, so we didn’t have long. In an exchange of text messages later we received these words, “Fabulous thank you, feel very inspired and done good to.” What we thought of as just a friendly chat appears to have been, God given words!
The Pharisees tried to catch Jesus with the question, “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?” They were all waiting for the answer, which took them completely by surprise. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
Even in the most challenging of circumstances Jesus had these words for His disciples, “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking , but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:19-20)
In a world of meaningless chatter there are “God given words” available to all believers. Words of encouragement to the downcast, words of wisdom for the perplexed and words of deliverance for those in a tight corner.
by Charles Sibthorpe
