We can eat all kinds of things only to find out at some point we are lacking one or more essential nutrients the body needs. As this is true for the body, it is also true relative to our soul. Someone has noted, “A well-read Bible is a sign of a well-fed soul.” (original source unknown) Food for thought?
This drew my mind to conversations between Job and his friends during the time of his great loss and suffering. Though Job did not understand and desired answers from God, he still refused to curse God or charge Him with doing wrong.
At one point — in response to his friend Eliphaz — speaking of God Job stated. . .
“(10) But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. (11) My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. (12) I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.” (Job 23:10-12 ESV)
The words of God’s mouth were nourishment to Job. They were of greater value to him than food for the body. Though Job’s flesh had been impacted, his soul still was drawn to God as his hope remained with Him! (Job 13:15)
When Jesus had fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2) prior to the beginning of His ministry, when tempted by the devil to make bread of the stones (Matthew 4:3) we read Jesus’ response. . .
“(4) But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”” (Matthew 4:4 ESV) [drawn from Deuteronomy 8:3)
God’s Word is a nutritional element we dare not neglect. As Vitamin B1 is noted for its support of the nervous system, helping the body turn food into energy, being important to cell function for our growth and development, and for strengthening the immune system, let us consider how God’s Word is vital in these ways spiritually. As the nervous system is vital to physical life, God’s Word is the backbone of transmission of His Will for every aspect of our being. (i.e. 2 Peter 1:3) His Word also provides the spiritual energy and resolve needed for living for His purposes. (i.e. 1 Corinthians 1:18; Ephesians 1:18-19; Ephesians 2:10) We cannot grow in spiritual maturity without it. (i.e. Hebrews 5:14; 1 Peter 2:2) And it is His Word that works to strengthen our spiritual immune system by directing us away from what is unhealthy to our spiritual life. (i.e. Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:11-12) Acknowledging this, may God’s Word “B” the “1” thing we never neglect as the essential element for daily living!
Have a great day SPIRITUALLY SUSTAINED BY THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT!
Carl
