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Theme: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORD OF GOD
Text: “Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” – Jeremiah 15:16.
Comment: God Almighty used the prophet Jeremiah to warn the nation of Israel of His impending judgment upon them because of their continuous rebellions. (Jeremiah 15:1-9) Unlike his people, Jeremiah was firm in his commitment to God and His word. He suffered persecution and rejection as a result of this. Despite this experience, he said that the word of God was his joy and delight so much so that he “ate” them: that is, he took it in as food for his soul and received refreshment and nourishment from it. He read, heard, understood and put the word of God in his memory and put them to daily use. The word of God is a source of hope, joy, and consolation, especially in times of trials. In these circumstances, it is understandable why the word of God is more beneficial or nourishing than physical food. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, relied on the strength of the word of God during his temptation in the wilderness. He told the tempter: “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. Compare Deuteronomy 8:2,3.
In this age of distress, where the children of God are persecuted for righteousness’s sake, they can always find true happiness from the word of God. In his persecution, the prophet Job said that he esteemed the word of God more than his necessary food. – Job 23:10-12.