Pastor, Is The Word Of God Precious To You

It is hard to fathom the idea that someone, who is very acquainted with God’s Word, would cease to value it or ease away from its influence. For those who handle the “eternal”, “forever settled in Heaven”, “inspired” words of life, it should be a constant delight and thrill to be under its influence. However, the Bible is full of examples of those who at one time enjoined an occupation which centered upon God’s Word and later rejected or distanced themselves from it. How dark the world would be if everyone followed that path!

A Sad Picture

The Bible records a dim picture in I Samuel 3:1. Little Samuel, an answer to his mother’s prayers, was ministering with the aged Eli, God’s priest to Israel. Eli was getting old, but his old age was not the problem. He had let things slip in his own life and ministry. In the previous chapter we find that God pronounced judgment upon him and his sons for his condoning of sin in their lives. This was more than a family problem only. These men were next in line as priests, yet they caused Israel to sin! (I Samuel 2:24) What a sad picture!

The Dark Results

(1 Samuel 3:1) “And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.”  (KJV)

Make no mistake about it, the Word of God is precious no matter what climate you are in. Whether it is politically correct or not to openly acknowledge its precepts, God’s Word is precious. In our verse we are considering, the Word of God was precious because of its scarcity. Just as the value of diamonds is dependent upon the saturation of the market, so God’s Word was much the same. Eli had let his boys “go to seed” in their sin openly. He also let the physical lamp go out in the Tabernacle, and God was withholding spiritual LIGHT from his people because of the situation at large. So, when there was a Word from Heaven, it was indeed precious.

What About You, Pastor?

Is God’s Word precious to you, or is it a tool by which you make a living wage? Does it make your soul tingle with excitement to open the Bread of Life to people, or is it just part of your duty to do so? Continuing down a path of apathy towards the Word of God will bring darkness into your life, ministry, and for those you serve. Please understand that, when we as spiritual leaders allow darkness into our lives personally, we will infect those to whom we minister! The Word Of Godshould be the most exciting and precious thing with which we are associated.

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433887: 100 Devotions for Pastors and Church Leaders, Vol. 2: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Sermons, Lessons, Church Events, Newsletters, and Web Sites 100 Devotions for Pastors and Church Leaders, Vol. 2: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Sermons, Lessons, Church Events, Newsletters, and Web Sites

By John Phillips / Kregel Academic & Professional

These 100 devotions cover less than 2 pages each and are focused on specific texts of Scripture, arranged from Genesis to Revelation. Dr. Phillips, who has been associated with Moody Institute for many years, is author of a multi-volume commentary of the entire Bible. Ideal for sermon illustrations, to augment bible studies or as devotional thoughts.

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