Luke 4:20
“And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.”
Throughout history there have been many books that have been authored. Some books go down through history and still have an influence today in the lives of people. In my own library I have books that were written centuries ago, and certainly these books have information that can help an individual.
Yet, there is one Book that has been around since the beginning of this world. There is one Book that has no beginning and no end. There is one Book that is a life-changing Book, and that Book is God’s Word. The world’s judicial system is founded upon God’s Word. The world’s history is dependent upon God’s Word. No book in history has changed lives more than God’s Word.
When Jesus established His ministry, He established in by using the Book. The very first acts of Jesus’ ministry are the quoting of the Word of God. In Luke 4, you find Jesus using His Word four times to show us how one should establish anything they are starting. In these actions, you find that God’s Word does four things.
First, God’s Word is captivating. In the verse above, you see that after Jesus read His Word that the people were “fastened upon him.” All He did was read His Word, and yet the people couldn’t take their eyes off Him. I have found that one of the most astonishing books you will read is the Word of God. Nothing will catch one’s attention like God’s Word. A young preacher only needs one thing to capture the attention of those listening and that is God’s Word. Stop trying to use personality and charisma and let God’s Word captivate those listening.
Second, God’s Word is convicting. In verse 23, you will find that those who listened to the Word of God were convicted by It’s words. Nothing will show people what they are doing wrong like the Word of God. You don’t need to play the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals, just teach and preach the Word of God and It will do the convicting for you. God’s Word is like a light that shines upon the heart of the sinner. It will reveal what one is doing wrong.
Third, God’s Word is powerful. In verse 32, the people acknowledged the power of God’s Word. Friend, God’s Word is powerful enough to change the most hardened person. Instead of reasoning with people and using man’s psychology, use God’s Word for It is the only thing that is powerful enough to change one’s life.
Fourth, God’s Word is authoritative. Verse 36 shows us that God’s Word is our authority. What gives the Christian the confidence to be authoritative about their beliefs? God’s Word is what gives us that authority. When you know the Word of God and use It, you will find that you will speak with authority. God’s Word gives the confidence that every Christian needs to speak with authority.
Let this friendly reminder about God’s Word motivate you to use It more often. Throughout your day, let God’s Word be the basis for every action and word spoken. You will find when you use God’s Word that It will captivate, convict, change and give confidence. God’s Word is the Book that will change anyone’s life if you will simply use It.