The Living Word

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. (Hebrews 1:1-14) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) God speaks through prophets, poets, and apostles, and, most eloquently through the Son (OWBTG 31).   God speaks the whole of Creation into being.  God speaks his covenant promises to Noah and Abraham.  God speaks his Name and his law to the Israelites in the desert where the Word changes from a spoken word to a written word.  But this written word never quite fits this living people: it only brings death.  And so God speaks again—this time his Word becomes flesh and lives among his living people.  And this time, the Word brings life.  Today, God speaks in so many ways.  All of Creation is a manifestation of the Word of God: it was his word, spoken, that brought all of it to existence.  Every gust of wind, every leaf that falls, every ray of sunlight, and drop of rain is an obedient echo of God's "let there be."  Through the Spirit, the written Word still takes on flesh in our flesh as we hear and respond to God in our lives and living today—this is what this week's practice of "praying scripture" is all about.     But it is through Jesus Christ that we hear God's voice most clearly. Because in Jesus Christ we have the exact representation of God and the precise force and intent of his Word enfleshed in a person and a story that we can see, hear, and believe.  All the words of God and about God find their final interpretation and focus in Jesus.  The question "what would Jesus do/say" is not far off in this regard.  It's a question that seeks the revelation of the living word-made-flesh in every new moment of our lives. How might you turn these scriptures into prayers to hear, see, and respond to the eloquent voice of Jesus, the Word made flesh in your life today?