Where's The Word?

What does "keeping the Word of God near" mean to you? Does it merely imply keeping your Bible on a shelf close by? (As I type this message I have several translations within arm's reach.) Does it make you think of keeping your Bible on a table within reach? How about keeping the Bible in your car? On your desk? Or how about always carrying your Bible in your pocket or purse? Do any of these come to mind when you think of keeping God's Word near to you?

Each of the above ideas are great, but ... for what purpose is the Bible kept in those places? Could I develop a sense of pride over what might be considered a "Bible Collection" on my shelves? Could I be trying to draw attention to my frequent use of God's Word by keeping a copy in plain sight on a table, a desk, my car, or in my pocket? These were some things Jesus accused the Pharisees of doing (note Matthew 23:5) as they would wear portions of Scripture in little boxes tied to the wrist or forehead (frontlets and phylacteries). These became not just reminders, but also attention getters and even began to be viewed as having power to protect against evil. [If you have a Bible dictionary you might want to read more on the frontlets and phylacteries.]

Keeping God's Word handy and even carrying a few passages of Scripture in our pocket is a good way to maintain a proper focus. However, note the nearness Paul referred to in his letter to the church in Rome.

We read. . .
"(8) But what does it say? 'The word is NEAR you, IN YOUR MOUTH and IN YOUR HEART' (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);" ( Romans 10:8 ESV)

Paul was referring to a passage in Deuteronomy which reads. . .
"(14) But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so THAT YOU CAN DO IT." ( Deuteronomy 30:14 ESV)

The Word is to be near for the purpose of obeying it! God's Word could be nearby on a shelf, a table, or even in our pocket and yet be far from us if we fail to put it into practice in our lives. It must be more than simply being in close proximity. To have His Word near in a proper sense is to have a life connection with it. With the mouth we confess the Name of Christ and all we believe linked to our salvation in Him. With the heart we believe and devote ourselves to obeying God's Will. This is really what it means to have the Word of God NEAR. May we never remove ourselves away from it!

Have a great day KEEPING GOD'S WILL NEAR!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 04/20/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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