the word of the lord jes 55 6-12

7/29/2019 The Word of the Lord Jes 55 6-12

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Sexagesimae 3 Feb 2012

Dr Lutz Ackermann (Friedenskirche, Hillbrow)

The word of the Lord

(Jes 55: 6-12)

Turn to the LORD and pray to him, now that he is

near. Let the wicked leave their way of life and change

their way of thinking. Let them turn to the LORD, our

God; he is merciful and quick to forgive. "My

thoughts," says the LORD, "are not like yours, and my

ways are different from yours. As high as the heavens

are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts

above yours.

"My word is like the snow and the rain that come

down from the sky to water the earth. They make the

crops grow and provide seed for planting and food to

eat. So also will be the word that I speak--- it will notfail to do what I plan for it; it will do everything I send

it to do. "You will leave Babylon with joy; you will be

led out of the city in peace. The mountains and hills

will burst into singing, and the trees will shout for joy.

(Isa 55:6-12)

If you want a relationship, you have to communicate

(talk).

Does God speak? Do we listen?

2013 REV. DR LUTZ ACKERMANN FRIEDENSKIRCHE (CHURCHOF PEACE), HILLBROW


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The Word of the Lord: how does the Word of God

relate to the bible? equals (injustice to both became

flesh not a book, printed letters on a page Jn 1:14),

static or dynamic (discussion relationship possible)contains, becomes Hear the word of the Lord when we

listen in faith! (dusty copy on shelf, arbitrary &

exchangeable commodity in the store of religious thought,

a study object).

Back to our text. A few observations:

1. The Word of the Lord is near to usEssence of Jesus preaching (Mk 1:15 time come

kingdom here turn believe good news): it stares

you in the face

"God's message is near you, on your lips and in your

heart"---that is, the message of faith that we preach.

(Rom 10:8)

2. The Word of the Lord turns people around

Again, Jesus: metanoia; last week: Matthew. Why

the need to turn around

3. The Word of the Lord is so different!

"My thoughts," says the LORD, "are not like yours,

and my ways are different from yours. As high as the

heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways

and thoughts above yours. God: the totally other

4. The Word of the Lord is efficacious and

powerful

Gen 1:3 (Let there be light and there was)



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Heb 4:12 The word of God is alive and active,

sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the

way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where

joints and marrow come together. It judges thedesires and thoughts of the heart.

5. The Word of the Lord is faithful and

trustworthy

No fantasies of inerrancy or infallibility. But a sure

promise, a deep ring of truth and, most importantly:

the shepherds voice (my sheep know my voice)6. The Word of the Lord is nourishing

Images of water, fertility, growth and harvest. Jesus:

'Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need

every word that God speaks.' (Mt 4:4)

"My food," Jesus said to them, "is to obey the will of

the one who sent me and to finish the work he gaveme to do. (Jn 4:34) Not just listening to the word but

doing (living) the word! (walk the talk)

7. The Word of the Lord brings joy

When even the mountains start dancing!

Lets get practical:

Know the word! Know it! Know him!

Read the bible every day! (Watchwords)

Take a bible shower! (Audio)

Pray the word!

Amen.


the word of the lord jes 55 6-12

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