Words

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
Matthew 12:34-37
June 28, 2023

"Words"

Sometimes, during my bible time, I read words that sting me. Almost literally, I feel a burning inside of me. I believe it is a reminder to breathe in God’s word as I breathe them out in speaking it out loud. When I do, the Word really becomes alive and active. This morning was another stinging moment. Try reading the above passage from Matthew 12 out loud and see if you feel a bit of a sting too. In context, Jesus is reprimanding the Pharisees who were condemning him for healing on the Sabbath and they were accusing him of driving out Satan by using the power of Satan. Jesus was teaching them that their own words convicted them because; “A house divided cannot stand” (Matthew 12:25).

Here comes the stinger for today; “But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (12:36-37). Ouch!

I was having a conversation with a dear friend the other day concerning the part that says “every man will give an account for every careless word…”, and I jokingly said; “Well, I feel sorry for everyone who is standing in line behind me at the judgment, because it will take me a very long time to give an account for every careless word”.

The reality is that this is no joking matter. Before I fall too deep into the pit of self-pity, join me in a prayer from Psalm19:13-14; “Keep back your servant from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me, then will I be upright and innocent of great transgressions. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer”.

Amen.