When Jewish leaders, being offended by the teachings of Jesus, which were not in accord with their traditions, they sent officers to seize Him.  However, when they returned without Him, their explanation for returning empty-handed was simply, “No man spake like this man” (John 7:46 ).  Jesus is, without doubt, distinctive of all who had come before, and of all who have come since.  His is the voice, not of man, but of God, for He is the Son of God.  As the Hebrews writer said of Him, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways , God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Heb. 1:1 , ESV) .

Similarly, God’s word, the Bible, is distinctive of all that has been recorded in human language.  It alone is declared to have been given “by inspiration of God,” and by which we may be “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16 ).  Whether we consider its unique perfection, its influence, its impartial justice toward all, its appeal, its timelessness, its prophecies, its miracles, or its theme, the Bible has no equal.  Its power is in its central message of the gospel (good news) of Christ, heralded from Genesis to Revelation—that though “we, like sheep have gone astray: we have turned every one to his own way: and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6 ).  Therein is revealed “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16 ).

Spend time in the distinctive word—the word of God.  Through it may God plant and nourish faith in your heart.

 

                 Ron Bartanen lives in Sullivan, IL and preaches for the  Arthur Church of Christ.