Truth Encounter: Matthew 5:17-19
““17) Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18) For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19) Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-19
If you have been following the development of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been talking about what allows the light to shine brightly for the glory of God in the world and what causes the light to be hidden or even go out. Certainly, living out the Beatitudes turns the lights on. (See Matthew 5:3-12)
Jesus then devotes next 2 1/2 chapters to things that dampen the light among Gods people. Altogether, He identifies nearly 20 of them. Let’s take our time and stroll through these slowly and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us.
From the above verses we discover that the light grows dim when Gods people ignore, minimize or distort the Word of God. This is a sure sign that revival is needed among God’s people. Nothing hides the light faster than when people trample God’s Word underfoot.
This is true for the individual, the church and society in general. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to inspire, instruct, guide and correct the people of God. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
When the counsel of God is set aside, then the flesh, carnality, worldly wisdom and sin reigns without opposition. Gods way’s are lost! His character and nature are hidden. His will is obscured. When God’s Word is neglected… the fire goes out. There no longer remains a restraint against sin.
Genuine revival and awakening are always accompanied by a return to God’s Word. The Word of God is the fuel for revival and prayer is the spark that often ignites the fire. God’s Word contains the truth that exposes and pulls down sin and leads to freedom.
Prayer and the Word of God go hand in hand to fan and feed revival. Dusting off your Bible and spending time in the Word leads to a truth encounter that can radically change your life.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global