0866. Joy in the Word

Joy in the Word

"Thy Words were found, and I did eat them: and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of Hosts" (Jer_15:16).

Of course, there are many who never open the Bible. There are others who open it only to cavil and criticise. There are some however, like Jeremiah, who find His Words and eat them, and, who are filled with joy and rejoicing in their heart.

David found the Word of God sweeter than the honey comb, and more precious than fine gold. He was made glad thereby.

The Word of God is our joy because of the message it brings concerning a Saviour. Luk_2:10-11 : "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

The Word of God is our joy because it tells us of Christ as our Prophet, our Priest, and our King. It gives us light on the daily walk; it reveals the will of God for us in creed and conduct; it shines onward and reveals the glories of the better day.

Of all things that bring us joy, nothing is comparable to this wonderful Word. Shall we permit such a Book to lie around unread and unappreciated?

God has exalted His Word above all His name–shall we put it beneath our feet?

God has given Christ a name–The Word of God–shall we disown His name?

God has said: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away." Shall we not heed its message?

Let us clasp the Word to our bosom and cry, "All joy!"

Let us pore over its pages; let us hide it in our hearts; let us follow its precepts.

The greatest treasure one can possess is a copy of the Word of God.

"Holy Bible, Book Divine,

Precious Treasure, thou art mine."

Illustration: An old Southern woman had not known any one, or anything, for fully three months. She lay upon her bed with her mind all gone.

One day when the preacher called, he tried in vain to arouse her mind and memory, but with no success.

Finally, as he was about to leave, he saw grandma's old Bible. He went to the bedside and put it in grandma's hand. "Do you know that Book, grandma?" said he. She fondled it, hugged it to her heart, and said: "Of course, I know my Bible. How I love it!" Then the preacher said, "Grandma, do you know Jesus?" "Do I know Jesus? Yes, honey, I know Jesus and I am just a waiting and a longing to see Him now." She who had known no one for three months, for a moment was drawn back to consciousness as her Bible was placed in her hand.

Let us joy and rejoice in the Word of God.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR