The Power of a Word

Luke 7:7

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

A centurion sent friends to Jesus requesting that He heal a servant who was ready to die. After Jesus was persuaded by the servants that this centurion was worthy of Jesus healing his servant, Jesus took the journey to go to the house to heal this servant. However, the centurion sent more people to ask Jesus just to say a word and heal his servant because he did not feel worthy of Jesus entering into his house.

This centurion knew something about Jesus that everyone must learn. He knew the power of one word spoken by Jesus was powerful to heal his servant. Notice this verse says, but say in a word. This word was in the singular. In other words, the centurion knew that one word of Christ spoken was powerful enough to heal a sick servant.

The power of God’s Word has not changed today. As you read the Scriptures, you will find the power of God’s Word. God created a world through a spoken word. He gave life to Lazarus through a spoken word. The miracles of Christ were done through a spoken word. If only we could understand the power of God’s Word, we would never question what it can do in a life if we just give God’s Word to them.

Isaiah 55:11 says, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Notice again the power of a word of God. God says one word going out of his mouth shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. The power of one word spoken will accomplish things, and it will prosper that for which His Word is spoken.

Never forget the power of God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God’s Word has the power to go deep into the heart of man to make a difference in that individual. It is not the power of persuasion that makes a difference in someone’s life, but the power of God’s Word spoken that makes the difference. You can try to help God’s Word out by your own reasoning and fail, or you can let the power of God’s Word do its work and watch that power change lives.

Soul winner, stop trying to help God’s Word out, and just give the Gospel. It is the power of the Gospel that does the work in the heart of a lost person to save them. You can try to “make sure” they understand the Gospel and ruin the Gospel in the heart of that person, or you can just give the Gospel and watch it do the work in the heart of a lost person. Stop trying to persuade yourself that they understand; just give the Gospel and let it do the work. God’s Word is as powerful today as it has always been throughout eternity.

Preacher or Sunday school teacher, just teach the Word. Yes, we ought to teach to the common man as Jesus did, but realize that it is not in your words or abilities that lives are changed, but in God’s Word. You may not think a change is happening to those you are teaching or preaching to, but the power of God’s Word is doing a work in their heart; just teach and preach the Word. The power is in God’s Word; never forget that.