Monday, October 27, 2014
Psalm 33:6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
SOLA SCRIPTURA
When the Reformers insisted on the Scriptures alone being the rule by which everything should be measured, they were not giving up anything. They were not laying aside joy or peace in order to stand for the truth. The so-called earthly advantages that they lost in order to cling to the Word of God's promise in Christ, where are they today? But the Word for which they stood is still with us!
There is more power in one little word of God than in all the nations and rulers of this world! "For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm" (33:9). And when the Word says, "Be of good cheer! Your sins are forgiven," our peace also stands firm. It is true!
It is a powerful Word, by which He rules. His kingdom comes by that Word of Grace, even as the oceans and mountains came by His Word. His Word persuades us that He speaks the truth, that He is our dear Father and we are His dear children for Jesus' sake.
Nor does He need us to preserve that powerful Word by our poor power. He lets us proclaim it to others, but if we did not, others -- yes, even the stones -- would cry out. No matter how many enemies of God's Word there may be, the Word they still shall let remain, for God will see to it.
Preserve Your Word, O Savior, To us this latter day
And let Your kingdom flourish, Enlarge Your Church, we pray.
Oh, keep our faith from failing, Keep hope's bright star aglow.
Let naught from Your Word turn us While wandering here below.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 264:1)
