Friday | Week 3

We covered a lot of ground in our reading this week. I believe there is a theme throughout the whole that is very important for us to see: Words have power. This truth is shown in three unique ways in the three scenarios we read this week—three things that are important for us to learn and practice. 

Words can anchor you to TRUTH.

I have always been impressed with John the Baptist. In all of the things I’ve read about him, it seems he was a very charismatic person. People were drawn to him. It seems his fans and followers really wanted him to be the guy—the savior and leader they had been waiting for. But he never let his ego or the flattery of the world derail what he knew was his mission: Prepare the way. And his words anchored him and those around him to the truth: “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, ESV).

Words can set you FREE.

In the next few verses we see Jesus talking with a woman. If we look a little deeper, we learn that this meeting happens at a well in the middle of the day, which is not the typical time for gathering water. She was avoiding people. Fast forward a few verses and that same woman is running into her town, knocking on doors, inviting everyone to come and meet Jesus. What changed? A conversation took place. A confession of her current life situation, and Jesus’ admission that He knew her whole story; that’s what changed her. The things she kept locked up so tight because of fear, embarrassment, or shame, are out in the open and she’s okay! She’s better than okay—she’s free!

Words can HEAL.

Finally, in our reading this week we see Jesus perform a healing. This one is unique because it’s the first time in this book we see Jesus heal someone without being physically present. His words alone heal the sick boy. 

Words have power. This week, let’s be people that speak truth about ourselves, others, and God to keep us anchored. Let’s confess and know true freedom from some of the things we should no longer be carrying. And let us never forget that we always have opportunities to heal and build up with the words we use. Let’s choose wisely this week!