Scripture to Read: Matthew 5:19
Jesus, as He continued to talk about God’s Holy Command, said this in the first half of Matthew 5:19, “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” To “annul” God’s Word means to break, invalidate, ignore, reduce, or make it insignificant. To consider God’s Word as anything less than God’s Word is a great travesty. God has told us how powerful His Word is in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God uses His Word to pierce through our ungodly thoughts, feelings, and actions. God uses His Word to transform us so that we live in a manner that honors Him. God has given us His Word so we can defeat the lies of this world, for He tells us in Ephesians 6:17 that we must take up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” A sword is used to kill, and only through God’s Word can we kill the lies of this world, the temptations that seek to get us to stumble and fall and overcome them all (1 Corinthians 10:13). So, Jesus’ warning reminds us of how important God’s Word is to each of us and that we should never think lightly of it.
Challenge & Application
· Where have you seen people “annul” God’s Word and seek to lead others down a path of destruction?
· What would you say to someone who has fallen into the habit of thinking God’s Word is no longer valid?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!