In His Own Words

By Marty Norman

Words are a powerful thing.  They can build up or tear down.  With just a slip of the tongue hearts can be wounded, families destroyed.  In contrast, words also have the power to heal, encourage, and give comfort, aid, and love.  It’s all in the motivation.

But words alone are not enough.  The actions that follow, that support the words, are the real indicator of the heart.  Here’s where the rubber meets the road.

Scripture tells us to let our yes be yes and our no be no.  In other words, say what you mean and mean what you say.  The best way to know a person is to listen to his words.

Young children are the best at saying what they mean.  Their response clearly tells you who they are.  Never one to beat around the bush, they tell it like it is.  “I don’t like broccoli”; “My Dad says you’re a pushover”; “I need one more piece of gum and I “pwamis” I won’t “swawwow” it.”

Jesus was good at words.  In fact he was the best.  The disciples, as well as the Pharisees, always knew where he stood.

Today is no different.  If we listen to Jesus’ words, if we watch his actions, we pretty much can gauge his character and intent, because his actions match his words.

“It is written.  My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.”  Luke 19:46 NIV.  With that he turned over the tables and began driving out those who were selling.  His words and actions give the same message.  His righteous anger is clear to his listeners.

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  Stay here and keep watch.”  Mark 14:34 NIV  With that he fell to the ground, prostrate, sweating blood and prayed that if possible this cup might pass from him.  His body language indicates sorrow so deep that words are not needed.

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Luke 23:43 NIV Jesus reveals a heart so full of forgiveness and love that he reaches out to a sinner at the moment of death.

“I am willing.  Be clean” Mark 1:41 NIV Jesus demonstrates his heart of compassion by word and action at the humble request of a leper. 

With the world in chaos and immorality and corruption around every corner, learning who Jesus was and what he said are the only hope for our world.  He is the only way.

Studying the gospels gives us the full picture of the Son of God.  Lucky for us that Jesus is so clear:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16 NIV

“I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one can come to the father except by me.”  John 14:6 NIV

“I who speak to you am he.”  John 4:26  

He came, he spoke, he died on the cross for our sins.   

You can’t get much clearer than that.

By developing a scripture memorization plan, reading the word on a daily basis, following his example, and developing his character we can partner with him in fulfilling his word that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Jesus is the way – the only way.  His words and actions give the same message.  It would serve us well to heed them and pass them on.  Time is short.