Devotion - Monday, March 5

Martin Luther understood the "Word of God" as God's living, interactive presence. The Word of God is not the same as the words which are spoken by God. It is more than pieces of information.

We are told, in Genesis 1, that when God's Word is active things happen. The whole world comes into being. In John 1, this Word is the self-expression which comes to dwell among us.

This notion of Word is very reassuring. It comforts me, as it assures me that God is with me. The Word of God is my constant source of hope and guidance.

This understanding of the Word of God should make it obvious that the Word of God is also there to expose my shortcomings. It is the Word which points out the ways and the places where I have failed to meet my commitments to God; my promises to neighbor.

I am working on this Wednesday's LCM Program. The topic handed to me was, "If we are saved by grace, why do we need to keep coming to Church?" I am seeking guidance (from the Word of God) on this, but what has come to me thus far has a lot to do with putting myself in a position to see what I would otherwise attempt to hide.

The Word of God helps me to see my arrogance. The Word of God points out to me my mistaken interpretations of scripture. The Word of God draws the line differently than I might with regard to how much of my checking account needs to be handed over to feeding the poor.

The Word of God is a interactive presence in my life which helps me to see God, to understand God, and to better serve God. It isn't a page (or pages) of words; it is God's very self.