Articles
Wonderful Words of Life
“...Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” (Jn. 6:68)
Jesus had just finished feeding thousands of people (Jn. 6:1ff), and then He tried to make them understand that the meaning of this temporal life was not focusing on physical matters but spiritual (vv. 41ff). After Jesus finished speaking, many who had followed Him could no longer accept His words (v. 66). The Lord came to His closest followers and asked them if they were going to leave Him too (v. 67). Peter, being the disciple spokesman that he was, unbeknownst to him, articulated “the response.” Let’s use the hymn, “Wonderful Words of Life” to channel and explore the lovely thought behind Peter’s apt response.
The first phrase of the song, “Sing them over again to me,” can be so easily viewed throughout Psalm 119. In this particular Psalm, the inspired writer pours out their desire to know and follow the word of God. It is almost like a love song or letter written for the Lord. Verse 13 says, “With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Your mouth.” Singing contributes to our sharing of God’s word (cf. Col. 3:16). Furthermore, as the first verse continues, one can imagine the beauty that is conveyed because of the message of salvation (cf. Isa. 52:7; Rom. 1:16). By God’s word, we know that the essentials to life are our love of God and our care for others (cf. Lk. 10:27).
What a marvelous blessing that Christ has given His words of life to all (cf. Eph. 3:8f; Titus 2:11)! Verse two of this hymn expresses this truth. How do we feel when we pick up a Bible and read from its holy words? Do we ever have a sense of gratitude or thank God for providing His words of salvation? Moreover, we have to listen and obey the call of Christ’s gospel to be saved (cf. Jn. 5:24, 12:48). It can be easy to take for granted the gift that God has given to all (cf. 1 Cor. 2:11ff). May we not miss out on Heaven because we carelessly dismissed Christ (cf. 2 Pet. 3:1ff).
Verse three of “Wonderful Words of Life” should motivate us to go and speak the words of salvation to others. The word of God is sweeter than anything we could ever imagine (cf. Ezek. 3:1ff); however, it is bitter to those that reject the truth (cf. Rev. 10:9f). It is irrational for anyone who would not accept peace and eternal pardon; even as you read this short article, some people have passed from this life and into a void of everlasting darkness and suffering. God’s word has the power to save anyone (cf. Rom. 1:16) and transfer everyone out of darkness into light (cf. Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13). All of this is made possible because of the sacrifice of Christ. Acts 4:12 says, “And there is salvation in no else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” The name of Christ and His word washes the believer clean—making them pure for His service (cf. Eph. 5:26; 1 Tim. 1:12).
The chorus reminds us that the words of God are both beautiful and wonderful. Our lips should offer up with ease these words of praise. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Him (Jesus) then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Whenever we sing a psalm, hymn, or spiritual song, it is essential to understand their message. Our hearts should be filled with joy and love because we are allowed to glorify God in the manner of singing. Likewise, our minds need to be engaged with what the words of the song are communicating. May we never forget that when we hold, speak, and sing God’s word—Oh, what a wonderful and beautiful blessing!
