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#29 LOVING THE WORD OF GOD

In 1Peter 2:1-3 Peter urges us to rid ourselves of all wrongs attitudes of heart and mind and to replace them with a craving for the word of God, which he here calls ‘pure spiritual milk’.

This love of God’s word and longing for God’s word has always stood as the opposite of ungodly living. Consider these verses from the Psalms:

‘Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither ...’ [Psalm 1:1-3]

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you...
I delight in your decrees ...’ Psalm 119:11,16]

‘My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times’ [Psalm 119:20]

‘... I delight in your commands because I love them’ [Psalm 119:27].

‘Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge’ [Psalm 119:54].

‘At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws’ [Psalm 119:62].

‘... I delight in your law ...
The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold ‘ [Psalm 119:70,72].

‘Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long ...
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!’ [Psalm 119:97,103].

‘Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart’ [Psalm 119:111].

‘Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed...
My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words’ [Psalm 119:136,139].

‘I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law...
Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble’ [Psalm 119:163,165].

This delight in and honour of the word of God was a governing principle in the life of Jesus Christ:

He was committed to obey the word of God – Matthew 4:1-11.

He was committed to fulfil the word of God – Matthew 5:18; 26:54,56.

He spoke the words of God – John 3:34, 17:8,14.

His whole purpose was to do the will of God – Hebrews 10:5-10.

Peter commands us to be just like this.

Like David, aware of our utter dependence on the word of God.

Like David, longing for and loving the word of God.

Like David, zealous for the honour of the word of God.

Like Jesus, totally committed to obey the word of God.

Like Jesus, totally committed to do the will of God revealed in the word of God.

© Rosemary Bardsley 2018