Studying Scripture as the Living Word of God

Meditation 4a: I have put my words in your mouth
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by Don Schwager

Jeremiah 1:4-12 (RSV translation)
4 Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

6 Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you you shall go, and whatever I command you you shall speak. 8  Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD."

9 Then the LORD put forth his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. 10  See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." 11 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" And I said, "I see a rod of almond." 12 Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it."

Hebrews 1:1-4 (RSV translation)
In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the ages. 3 He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs.

Some questions for reflection

1. What was the role of the prophets in the Old Testament? How did they receive their calling to speak a prophetic word in God's name? (See Jeremiah 1:4-5).
2. Why did God command his prophets to obey his commands and not be afraid to speak his word? (See Jeremiah 1:6-8).
3. Why did Jeremiah think he was unqualified to speak in God's name? How did fear hold him back? And why did God command him to not be fearful? How does courage and trust in God help us overcome our fear in living and proclaiming God's word? (See Jeremiah 1:9-12).
4. How does the New Testament compare the prophetic ministry of Jesus with the prophets of the Old Testament? How is Jesus' role both similar and also superior to the Old Testament prophets? (See Hebrews 1:1)

Reflect on the following passage from the Letter to the Hebrews, chapters 1 and 2.

Hebrews 1:1-4
1 In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the ages. 3 He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs.

Hebrews 2:1-4
1 Therefore we must pay the closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will..

Reflection and commentary on Hebrews 1 and 2:

From age to age, the prophets, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, spoke the word of God. Now God has spoken to us through his only begotten Son. Jesus Christ alone brings to us the full revelation of God and he alone enables us to enter into the very presence of God.

The author to the Hebrews contrasts Jesus with the prophets who have preceded him. The prophets were given special counsel or revelation from God (see Amos 3:7). Their message, however, was fragmentary. Each had a part, but now the whole. In Jesus Christ we see the fullness of God's revelation and truth. In him we see not some part of God but all of him. The prophets spoke of God. Jesus reveals God in himself, not only in what he said and did, but in who he is. The prophets were the friends of God; Jesus is the only begotten Son. The prophets grasped part of the mind of God; Jesus is the mind of God. He is the Word of God made flesh.

In Jesus we see the glory of God, a glory that does not crush and is not severe. It is a glory which shines through Jesus' humble service and death on a cross for sinners. It is a glory of redemptive and suffering love.

The author to the Hebrews warns against two kinds of sins: transgression and disobedience. Transgression literally means to step across a line. God tells us through his word and by our conscience what is right and wrong and what he expects of us. To step across that line is to sin. Disobedience is related to hearing. It literally means imperfect hearing, or careless hearing. In the end it means the unwillingness to hear the voice of God. God has spoken to us through his own Son. It is both an awesome privilege to hear the word of God and to be changed by his life-giving word, and an awesome responsibility to believe what God says and to obey it. Are you attentive to God's word?

"Lord Jesus Christ, your word is life and truth. Nourish me by your life-changing word and help me to study it diligently and to conform my life according to it."

[Don Schwager is the author of the Daily Scripture Readings and Meditation and editor for Living Bulwark.]

Scripture quotations from Common Bible: Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1973, and Ignatius Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 2006, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
 

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