The Washing of the Word
by Christel Baxter
I read an article about water and all the health benefits that drinking enough water has for us. Some of these are: Increased energy and relief of fatigue, flushes out toxins, boosts your immune system, and puts you in a good mood! Without water to drink and to wash we will not survive for long. I was reminded of the many times God’s Word speaks of water in a symbolic manner. One such scripture is our key scripture in Ephesians 5:25-26 where Paul speaks about God’s word being like water that sanctifies and cleanses His church.
God’s Word – like water - has many benefits:
It increases energy and relieves fatigue – ‘This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life’ (Psalm 119:50).
It flushes out spiritual toxins – ‘How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word’ (Psalm 119:9). ‘My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words … for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body’ (Proverbs 4:20 & 22).
It boosts your spiritual immune system so you can withstand the attacks of the devil – ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you’ (Psalm 119:11). ‘Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (Ephesians 6:11 & 17).
It puts you in a good mood – ‘As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands’ (Psalm 119:143). ‘I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great spoil’ (Psalm 119:162).
John 1:14 says, ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth’. Jesus is the Word made flesh. He is the Living Water, and we are invited to come thirsty and ready to drink. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life’ (Revelation 21:6).
Allow God’s Word to wash over your spirit, and to be your source of encouragement and strength. Make sure you drink from the Living Water daily. You’ll never run dry if you do!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that Your Word cleanses, revives and heals me. Thank You that it is alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. Help me to remain hungry for Your Word and to live according it, because it’s life to me. Amen.
Christel Baxter joined the Associate prayer ministry team at Shere House, S.Africa in 2008 after attending the 20 day school. Besides serving together on the associate team at Shere House, Christel & her husband, Gary, pastor New Life Ministries, a congregation in Boksburg, Gauteng. Their children, Liezl and Wesley, are both married, and they adore their son-in-law and daughter-in-law and their little granddaughter, Hannah! Christel is passionate about seeing broken lives restored and especially loves ministering God`s love and healing to women of all ages.
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