Delight in the Lord and His word

As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!” Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:27-28

What the Lord referred to from the text as people who are blessed “are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” He reminded the hearers of their responsibility. Godliness and holiness are virtues accessible only to those who will be obedient to God and follow Him in His word. We can choose to serve God or remain in our sinful nature. Real blessing are held by those willing to trust God and His word. Sin can never bring real joy. It’s true, it could provide pleasure but it is not long-lasting. Moses was commended in the Scripture for he chose to follow God than to live in idolatry while in Pharaoh’s palace. “He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward” (Hebrews 11:25-26). There are those that are under the power of sin for they find living in such condition brings happiness. This is the tension that we experience within; though we know that God will not be pleased if we give in to satisfy our selfish desires yet we still find ourselves giving in to temptation. Somehow, we think that obedience to God will make us unhappy. But the Lord Jesus Christ emphasized the point that real joy comes when we keep His word. God knew that this is what will fulfill our longings; to set before us His word. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you” (Psalm 37:4-5).

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com