SOS Verses January 6, 2014
Why do weendeavor to memorize the Scriptures together, and why do we feature an “SOSverse” in our worship service every week? Here are a few reasons.
The Bibleis the most stabilizing, clarifying, life-changing force God has given us. Whenthe Spirit wields the word, it’s a devastating weapon against unbelief, fear,pride, lust, greed, anger, laziness, self-pity, foolishness, immaturity, andevery other spiritual ill in our lives. That’s the meaning of the acronymSOS—the “Sword of the Spirit.” Have you ever met anyone who simultaneouslyquotes whole chapters of the Bible and yet lives in the grip of some besettingsin? Me neither. In other words, Christians thrive on the word of God and diefor lack of it.
Imagineyou were feeling ill and, after a checkup, the doctor said, “I have good newsand bad news. The bad news is that you are fatally sick. The good news is thatyour health will return, if you will eat the foods on this list.” No doubt, youwould follow his advice and change your diet. Your life depends on it!
Well,nothing has changed in the 3,000 years since Moses wrote: “Man does not live bybread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Dt. 8:3).Spiritual health is impossible apart from the spiritual nourishment of theScriptures! Your elders would be poor physicians of the soul if we did notencourage you to apply this biblical prescription for spiritual wellness.
Plus,memorizing and quoting the SOS verse can be an engaging and uniting activity asa family and as a congregation. In our family, we try to make it part of ourfamily worship in the evening after dinner. As a church congregation, the SOSverse provides us with a moment of participation and connectedness in ourworship services. It also says something to our guests about what we arepassionate about as a church.
So whatabout you? This winter and spring, we’ll be memorizing the 22 verses of Psalm34. Won’t you join us in feasting on the word of God each week as we memorizeand meditate upon the SOS verse?