The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm 19:7-8 NAS)
According to a news story 'Weighing the Value in Gold' by Joe Zidle of Merrill Lynch published at Forbes.com on September 16, 2011, investors who viewed gold as a 'safe haven' pushed its prices to record highs this summer. A sharp pick-up in volatility, however, has stoked concerns that the precious metal is now about to lose its luster. In a separate news story published on September 25, 2011 at Profitimes.com, it was forecasted that the price of gold could climb to a record US$1,600 an ounce within the year if investment demand remains strong amid sovereign debt fears.
Over the last few months, the value of gold has rocketed sky high with extraordinary growth in prices. Where the market could lead to and how to think about gold as part of an investor's portfolio are a great concern to many people, but sadly, nothing is certain, for all these are highly speculative, involving risk taking.
Unlike the fluctuating prices and value of gold, the value of the word of God is priceless. In a sermon I heard recently on ‘What is More Desirable than Gold?’ the speaker mentioned seven characters in the Bible that value God’s word more desirable than gold.
King David accorded God’s word as reviving his soul (Psalm 19:7-8), providing protection from error and sin (Psalm 119:11), and as a lamp and light that guide his path (Psalm 119:105).
The prophet Jeremiah said of God’s word as powerful, like a hammer which shatters a rock (Jeremiah 23:29). A hammer can tear down as well as build, and is suitable for refuting falsehood and proving the truth.
The apostle Paul regard God’s word as profitable for teaching, reproof, correcting, and training in righteousness to equip one for good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), God’s word can bring us hurt so as to give us life through reproof and correction.
The author of Hebrews refers to God’s word as a double-edged sword that is so sharp, it can judge between thought and attitude (Hebrews 4:12).
James, the brother of Jesus, said of God’s word as saving our souls, and removing our guilt and filthiness (James 1:21).
The apostle Peter said of God’s word as nurturing spiritual growth, like milk to the baby (1 Peter 2:2).
Jesus sees God’s word as food for sustenance. In His hunger, Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread, but Jesus rebuked the devil and quoted from the Scriptures stating that man shall not live on bread alone (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3).
God’s word is the primary means by which God communicates to us. Knowing the word of God opens the door for us to know Him and appreciate why it is more desirable than gold. The word of God is priceless and more precious than gold because it can change our lives. Let us therefore invest time to study God’s word, for its value knows no bounds.
Dear Lord, open our eyes that we may behold wonderful things from Your word. Your word O Lord is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Guide us therefore by Your word to wisely know when to use it for teaching, reproofing, correction, training in righteousness, and defending against the enemy. Revive our souls Lord and protect us from error and sin. Remove our guilt and filthiness that we may stand complete before You Lord, cleansed by Your blood.
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