What does "the word of the LORD came to me" signify for believers? Tracing the Phrase through Scripture • Jeremiah 1:4: “The word of the LORD came to me, saying,” • Ezekiel 1:3: “The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest … and the hand of the LORD was upon him there.” • Zechariah 4:8: “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” These samples show how consistently God introduces prophetic messages with the same formula. What the Phrase Declares about God • Divine initiative—God speaks first. Humanity does not coax Him into revealing Himself; He chooses the moment and the messenger. • Personal engagement—“came to me” underscores that God addresses individuals by name, history, and context. • Undiluted authority—because it is “the word of the LORD,” the content carries the weight of God’s own character (Psalm 12:6). What the Phrase Teaches Believers Today 1. God still speaks, never in contradiction to Scripture, yet always perfectly consistent with it. 2. Scripture is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). When we read, we encounter the same divine voice that addressed Jeremiah or Ezekiel. 3. The authority of the written Word is equal to the authority of God speaking audibly—both originate from Him (2 Peter 1:20-21). Layers of Meaning Packed into “came” • Proximity—God closes the gap, drawing near (James 4:8). • Movement—He directs history by entering specific moments. • Urgency—He does not speak aimlessly; every word has purpose (Isaiah 55:11). Implications for Daily Walk • Eager listening—regular, expectant reading of Scripture positions the heart to hear. • Obedient response—prophets recorded the message, then acted. Believers mirror that pattern by doing what the text says (James 1:22-25). • Humble stewardship—receiving revelation places us under obligation to share truth faithfully, never editing or softening God’s voice (Jeremiah 26:2). New-Covenant Perspective • Hebrews 1:1-2: “On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son …” • Jesus is the fullest revelation; His words and actions seal every prophetic expectation (John 1:14,18). Practical Takeaways • Approach Scripture as a present-tense conversation with the Lord. • Expect conviction, comfort, and direction, because the same Spirit who inspired the prophets indwells believers (John 16:13). • Measure every claimed revelation against the Bible’s clear teaching—God never contradicts Himself. Closing Reflection Whenever we read “the word of the LORD came to me,” we are reminded that the God who once spoke to prophets now speaks through their recorded words and through His Son. Our task is simple: listen, trust, and obey. |
    |