A Two-Edged Sword

Christmas cactus

No parable here really, it's just a pretty bloom in the garden. Those thorns are pretty sharp though.

I'm still on Psalm 119, such a fantastic meditation, and it keeps bringing me back to David's wonderful attitude toward God's Word, which has a lot to do with how he regards God himself, how big his God is, and how vital to his very life. If God is all powerful, loving, righteous and willing to intervene as we intercede with him in prayer - involved with his creation as a compassionate Creator - then he is more than able to ensure that we are still in full possession of his awesome word to us, just as David was, but with the added advantage of a finished written communication. It is just as accurate as he wants it to be, just as understandable as truth. He is not a God of confusion and gave us the Scriptures so that we might know the truth about him, his awesome promises, important warnings for our good, and the lessons of an accurate history.

"All your words are true; all your
righteous laws are eternal." Psalm 119:160

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16

"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death." Proverbs 13:14

It is a matter of life and death - so ultimately important; how we regard God and his word are intertwined with our salvation, which is eternal life. God's word is powerful.

This is not to say that all of the compilers, translators or even the inspired writers were perfect, or even always righteous men; but God was able to use them to accomplish his own ends, and his purposes cannot be thwarted. Yes, God was in control of assembling the "canon" of Scripture - not men.

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

How big is your God?