Isaiah 59:21, “‘And as for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the LORD: ‘My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,’ says the LORD, ‘from this time forth and forevermore.'”
The beauty of words and of heavenly language is a gift to be cherished. I was struck by this last week as I was leading a Bible class. We were pondering an Old Testament writing that had the word “LORD” in all capital letters at several points. I was explaining that this is the only way our English language is able to handle the unique Hebrew name of God that is expressed by four consonants that have the basic sound of “YHWH.” We believe this name is to be pronounced “Yahweh.” The best translation of the name is the great “I AM.” One little word. Tons of meaning. Beautiful sound.
So much of the Word of God carries much more meaning when it is read out loud. It has a poetic beauty that lends to the understanding of the content. The verse above from Isaiah 59 is a good example. The repetition of the word “mouth” reinforces the value of the spoken Word of God that flows forth from the mouth that is connected to a believing heart. The final words, “from this time forth and forevermore,” emphasize in a beautiful way that God’s Word is to always be shared with our lips…forever. The Spirit of the LORD desires to keep the Word of God on our lips.
I share this because, in a world of texting shorthand, the beauty of oral language is being taken for granted or even lost. The awe of God is being lost. I entreat each believing heart to perpetuate the flow of heavenly language from lips enlivened by the Spirit of the LORD. Above all else may our mouths contain and proclaim the awesome and exhilarating Gospel news of Jesus, the LORD who saves!
Photo by Thomas Hawk
Thank you for making the Word of God alive for us!
It’s a joy to pass on the awesome gifts of the LORD!