The Unequivocal Power of God's Word
“I have come to know that God’s Word has survived the true tests of all time and that it embodies and imbues the secrets to an abundant and eternal life – in and through a transformational and interpersonal relationship with God incarnate, Jesus Christ.”
Some say “the pen is mightier than the sword,” and there is considerable evidence to suggest this statement may be true. In respect to the formation of countries, governments, colonies, the declarations of war, and the like, more than one historic founding document has been signed with blood and paid for at an alarmingly high cost. It’s not that we believe in “words” per se, but that we believe in the ideologies they express; words that give rise to heartfelt vision. Such declarations survive many generations as they are handed down as traditions and forged into our core values. However, there are times when a “constitutional word” can empower and give rise to great battles and unimaginable loss of human life, in defense of the boundaries that surround not only a nation’s demarked geography, but its culture, national resources and intellectual assets.
Such motivational forces are defined and focused by the written word which, if proven worthy through the tests of time, may be considered fundamentally “true” and trustworthy. One such Canadian expression of core values, The 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms, upholds “human rights” and, specifically, the rights of minorities which are promoted according to the charter’s broad language. But such worthy vernacular can also offer inalienable protection around principles that some believe now boldly veer into the traditions and practice of faith, addressing issues that are thought to be meta-physical in nature and having a spiritual and faith-oriented underpinning.
In today’s world, and rising up from the expressed tenets of human rights, is the subject of “religious freedom.” In fact, I would suggest that the freedom of religion, including the right to choose a belief and then to practice and express one’s faith convictions, is a fundamental extension of such a universal right. As those of us who work in the mission field of “persecution” will attest, however, this is a point of debate for many, particularly as it relates to the Christian act of service to faithfully follow Christ’s Great Commission.
I believe in the defining and upholding of “human rights” because I believe in God. While this position may now be vilified by those who are offended by even the expressed notion of a Designer/Creator deity, there appears to be a profound contradiction that has recently come to my mind concerning this debate, as follows....
For there to be inalienable, self-evident, and universal human rights, there must first be an unchangeable, morally good and just “Rights Giver.” Such impervious, immovable and foundational principles of the Christian faith have also historically been woven into the constitutional fabric of the founding documents of many institutes of higher learning, hospitals and major corporations (to name but a few examples) throughout North America and Europe. God’s Word, therefore, is referred to as “The Holy Bible,” a well-earned designation that has solidified its reputation as, by far and away, the “greatest selling,” most profoundly impactful, and most widely proliferated document of all time on the planet!
So, is there a discernible, supernatural power hidden within the chapters and verses of The Holy Bible? Let’s first consider what the Bible says about itself while reading Hebrews 4:12 (KJV).
“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Here the author of the book of Hebrews (who, though unknown, was inspired by the Holy Spirit) describes the defining and retraction of truth as being surgically carved out of the everyday reality in which we temporally exist. This “sword,” considered immeasurably sharper than any other, consists of two edges and, thereby, is capable of “cutting both ways.” But in this particular Scriptural description, the Word (which, in my analogy, could very well be the mighty “pen”) is actually compared to a sword and deftly used as such.
Such unequivocal “Word-Power” renews our minds and transforms our very being. At The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, we are sometimes reminded of this great truth while being blessed by a remarkable anecdote from “the field.” Allow me to share one such story of encouragement and redemption.
During his recent visit, a friend of our VOMC ministry, Toronto-based Pastor Yonatan (originally from Eritrea), brought us an inspiring story of an Ethiopian pastor, Qes Bahta Bitsuamlak (1926 - 2013), who had at one time been invited by the Central Prison of Addis Ababa to bring a quantity of Amharic Bibles for the prisoners. Upon entering the prison compound, and passing by the prison guards with Bibles in hand, one of the prisoners estimated to be in his 60s approached him and took one of the Bibles out of his hand. The prisoner then fell to his knees, and strangely began licking the Bible.
Dumbfounded, Pastor Qes Bahta expressed to the prisoner that he could have the Bible for free if he so wished. While all watched, listening intently, and with astonishment, the prisoner began telling a remarkable story. He explained that during the Communist era, he had once been the Governor of the Province of Arsi. While leading in that capacity, he had ordered the closure of all Lutheran churches in the province.
He recalled a time when Pastor Qes Bahta had personally come to the governor’s office to inquire about this action. The prisoner then reminded the pastor of their previous conversation: “You asked [me] why the churches had been closed, and I told you that there was no longer any place for backward thinking in Ethiopia. I declared that there was no place for your God in this country.” He added, “Then you opened your Bible and began reading it to me.”
Evidentially, the then governor had aggressively stepped up to the pastor and snatched the Bible from his hands, insolently spitting on it and throwing it on the floor. Having a great respect and reverence for the “Word of God,” Pastor Qes Bahta indignantly proclaimed, “There will be a day you will be licking your spit off of it.” The pastor then left the governor’s office.
The now repentant prisoner announced, “Today is the fulfillment of that prophecy, and this is why I am licking the Holy Bible. I am licking the spit off of it exactly as you said many years ago. Thank you for your fearless words. Thank God, I am now a follower of Christ.”
The former governor, now prisoner, depicted in the foregoing, experienced first hand the life-giving truth and power of the Word that is both loved and hated throughout the world today, dividing light from darkness and broadcasting hope to the hopeless. Just as many have historically fought over and defended the words and ideas that embody our values and heritage, there are spiritual wars raging around the expression and practice of the truths of God’s Word. These truths transcend all other foundational texts. But, sadly, many souls are now paying the ultimate price to walk by faith in the conviction and eternal protection of the living, infallible, inerrant, sustaining, everlasting, and Holy Word of our Heavenly Father. They are mindful that just as any loving father desires to provide lavishly for his children, He will never lie to them or lead them into harm’s way, but rather unto the fulfillment of a far higher purpose and an eternal destiny that’s beyond their greatest expectations…and even imagination.
- Doug
