Read Luke 7:1-17
What kind of power do words hold? We all have words we wish we could take back, words that have hurt others or ourselves. We have been on the receiving end of words that cut deep. Even as children, we learned phrases like, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” On the positive side, we can use words to share joy, to encourage, and to express love and compassion.
Yet when we think about the power of our own words, they are limited—we can only communicate, influence, or persuade. How often does that understanding of the limits of our own words shape the way we think about God’s words?
The centurion’s faith in Luke reminds us of the difference. When God speaks, He does not merely communicate or persuade—He accomplishes. At creation, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Jesus said to the widow’s son, “Young man, I say to you, arise,” and the dead man sat up and began to speak.
Whether through His own words written for our hearing, or through Christ speaking by the apostles, Jesus continues to speak to us today: “Your sins are forgiven; Baptism now saves you; Take and eat, this is my body given for you; Take and drink, this is my blood, shed for the forgiveness of your sins; If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; The old has passed away, the new has come.”
These words accomplish exactly what they promise. They are not mere suggestions or encouragements—they are living and active, powerful to accomplish God’s purposes because our Lord speaks with divine authority.
Prayer: Jesus, I am grateful that through your death and by the power of Your word, You have made me a new creation: baptized, redeemed, forgiven. Having been made Your new creation, remove the poison of sin from my words that instead, seasoned with grace, my words may be useful for the help, support and restoration of others. Amen.