The Spoken Word
The Spoken Word
Reading: Genesis 9-11; Luke 4
Then he cursed the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham: “A curse on the Canaanites! May they be the lowest of servants to the descendants of Shem and Japheth.” (Genesis 9:25 NLT)
31 Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. 32 There, too, the people were amazed at the things he said, because he spoke with authority. (Luke 4:31-32 NLT)
Noah’s spoken curse on Ham’s descendants and spoken blessing on Shem’s and Japheth’s descendants carried the prophetic authority of a man in covenant relationship with God. However, initially it looked like Ham and his son Canaan were the ones who prospered and received God’s blessing more than Japheth and Shem.
But the word had been spoken and it was out there. Hundreds of years later it began to be fulfilled, when God selected Abram from among Shem’s descendants. Hundreds more years passed, and Moses led Abraham’s descendants into the Promised Land to displace Canaan’s descendants. The spoken word is alive and very patient.
When Jesus spoke in the synagogue at Capernaum, the people responded with amazement and approval. Unlike the people in his hometown, Nazareth, they were not offended by the authority with which he spoke. They experienced the full benefit of his power because they received and responded to the authority of his spoken words.
Here are some thoughts on the Spoken Word:
• God’s Spoken Words are alive and very patient. At the right time, they will come to pass.
• God’s Spoken Words often contain a response factor. To receive the full benefit of God’s Spoken Words, we must respond in obedient faith.
• Our Spoken Words can have power to bless or to curse. Choose the words very carefully!
Prayer:
Father, Please help me to always respond in faithful obedience to the authority your Words carry and to receive the full benefit of your Word and your Words. I purpose not to be offended at your words to me or about me. May I grow in faith as I respond to your words and may I grow in grace to share your words with others. Amen.