I have been preaching a sermon series entitled “Jesus in my shoes” and have looked at numerous aspects of Jesus’ life on earth. Just last Sunday I completed a sermon entitled “Jesus in my words” and shared a number of things that defined Jesus’ words and should therefore be descriptive of our words as well.
As I have continued to think about this topic and read up on Jesus’ words in the gospels I have come to the conclusion that Jesus’ ministry was a ministry of words and of healing. Those appear to be the key facets of His ministry. Granted, His ministry was all about people, and restoring the love relationship between His Father and humanity, but the way that He went about it revolved around the words that He spoke and the healing that He offered.
I am beginning to realize that the ministry of words that God has called me to is very important. I have often thought that my words were the least important aspect of my ministry and yet what better calling than to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and be referred to as ‘teacher’.
And so I am reconsidering the power and value of my words and the importance of study and preparation and prayer so that I speak the right words and refrain from the wrong words. As Jesus’ words inaugurated the arriving kingdom of God on earth, even so our words can advance the kingdom of God into enemy territory, reclaim what belongs to God and give God the glory for bringing it all about. Wow! The power of words.
Pastor Michael Johnson 