W O R D S


A true story was told by Jim Henry former pastor of Two Rivers Baptist in Nashville TN.

It was about a WWII infantry unit that was scheduled to lead a decisive push in the famed Battle of the Bulge. The night before the fight, soldiers were gathered around the fire in a somber, reflective, and intense atmosphere. The Colonel instructed the chaplain to assemble the men and conduct some form of  chapel service. It was apparent for most of the men that the battle for freedom and liberty would soon require the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.

Needless to say the air was thick with a veil of darkness and fear of death.

Cautiously the chaplain approached the men and spoke of their call to duty and the value of their sacrifice. The men were silent and downcast as he spoke. The chaplain then asked if any had a favorite hymn,  if any had a poem,  or perhaps a letter from home. He then asked if anyone had a word.

One soldier broke the silence and said…
"Chap... maybe you need to tell all us how to meet God!"

What a moment of clarity.

Words....like faith...move mountains.

Mortality of life has a way of peeling back the facade and revealing what matters most in life and death.
In more cases than I can recollect, I have been the last minister to stand in front of the dying, oftentimes, the last voice in their ear.
In these moments I am quickened with a reminder to the power of WORDS. Words can divide, unite, tear asunder, embolden ones spirit, and give life...Eternal Life. When faced with this unique...opportunity, my mind wants to purge itself of meaningless...chatter or at least suspend it. I think of the one before me facing the valley of the shadow of death.

What has been said...or what has gone unsaid?
Have they heard of the one who has healed the lame, calmed the sea, RAISED THE DEAD?
Words...words...what words have they heard?

John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

Have they heard His words; the words of Him who is the resurrection and the life?

John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

Wonderful Words Of Life
Sing them over again to me,
wonderful words of life;
let me more of their beauty see,
wonderful words of life;
words of life and beauty
teach me faith and duty.

Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
wonderful words of life;
sinner, list to the loving call,
wonderful words of life;
all so freely given,
wooing us to heaven.

Sweetly echo the gospel call,
wonderful words of life;
offer pardon and peace to all,
wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
sanctify forever.
                 
 ...we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we're telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy! (Msg. 1 John 1:1-4)

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