Written ~ 11-11-2023
1 Peter 1:24-25
24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.
Our life here on earth is so fleeting. It may seem like sometimes the day goes by so slow, usually when we’re doing something we don’t want to do. But for the most part the calendar pages seem to be ripping off faster and faster with each day. Longevity is promoted on every platform, living longer and looking younger is what consumes the world. But no matter how much organic food, supplements and protein shakes we consume, our bodies will wither and fade. Our time on earth is determined by the number of days God has established, not by how much exercise we do. Now, let me clarify, do I suggest we don’t do those things? NO! Eating healthy, exercising and taking care of our bodies is a way to honor this vessel, this temple which is the residence of the Holy Spirit. We need to be responsible in our habits, it helps us feel strong and able to do the work of the Lord. Concerning ourselves so greatly on the things that makes oneself younger in appearance can often backfire. But what doesn’t backfire is the Spirit of the Living God shining through our hearts, minds and souls.
The Scripture from 1 Peter is quoted out of the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. Let’s dive into the mind of the prophet Isaiah for a moment as he gives us a glimpse into the future…
Isaiah 40:3-11,
3 “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,
“Clear the way through the wilderness
for the Lord!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland
for our God!
4 Fill in the valleys,
and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves,
and smooth out the rough places.
5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
The Lord has spoken!”
6 A voice said, “Shout!”
I asked, “What should I shout?”
“Shout that people are like the grass.
Their beauty fades as quickly
as the flowers in a field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fade
beneath the breath of the Lord.
And so it is with people.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever.”
9 O Zion, messenger of good news,
shout from the mountaintops!
Shout it louder, O Jerusalem.
Shout, and do not be afraid.
Tell the towns of Judah,
“Your God is coming!”
10 Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power.
He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, He brings His reward with Him as He comes.
11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in His arms,
holding them close to His heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
This is what should consume our hearts and minds. Listening to the voice of the Lord and shouting the Good News of Jesus Christ from the mountaintops! Let everyone know He is coming back! When we are busying ourselves with things that don’t honor the Lord, have you ever noticed how tired and dragged down you feel? But if you are talking about Jesus, allowing your light to shine brightly and you are walking along the path God has laid out for you, the energy you can generate is nothing a cup of coffee can achieve!
Now let’s concentrate on verse 1:25, it is an extremely important message on we need to understand…
25 “But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.
The entire Bible was inspired by God through His Holy Spirit. After all these years His Word has never gotten misplaced or lost. But I believe that even if the Bible were to disappear off the face of the earth, God’s voice would be heard loud and clear and His message would remain the same. “Jesus is coming back, spread the News!” Even as each generation fades away, the voice of the Lord is heard. The same message is shouted from the mountaintops.
If we look back at the last 100 years… what has changed? Hairstyles and clothing options. Horse and buggy to high-speed vehicles and airplanes. Radio programs to black and white TV and now to full CGI action packed movies. Technology is moving faster than what we can keep up with. But what has remained the same? 100 years ago people were reading the same Bible, people were preaching the same message, the Good News of Jesus Christ has been the only consistent message throughout the ages. “…the Word of the Lord remains FOREVER…” That statement was made by the prophet Isaiah all the way back in 740 B.C. to 680 B.C. when his ministry was at its prime. So roughly 2700 years ago! But we know the Word of the Lord was spoken from the very first page of the Bible when God said, “Let there be light…” in Genesis 1:3. And His light still shines today, through each and every one of us. We are spreading that light with every breath when we speak the name of Jesus.
So what’s more important to you, the brand-new thing being advertised that is supposed to bring out a youthful glow? Or is it the Word of God and the light that is shining through you? Are you spreading the news about a new beauty cream, or are you spreading the news about the Lord Jesus Christ?
These bodies of ours will wither and fade, but the Word of the Lord remains forever!
Hebrews 13:8,
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
~AMEN~