Sometimes the simplest question can plant the most fruitful seed.

After some years of having to work on Thursdays I am finally able to attend Bible study again. To say I’ve missed it would be an understatement. Sitting around a table, discussing the word of God with a group of ladies, is such a joy and a privilege.

We have a lady in our group whom I’ll call “Julie”. She is a young mother, new to the Word of God and is looking for answers. She showed up late one morning apologizing for not having done her homework. A little embarrassed, she said she didn’t want to interrupt our discussion but needed help understanding something.

“What does it mean when it says God’s Word is living and active?”

In our study there are some questions that we tend to answer briefly because it is something we’ve heard for so long that we know we won’t need to spend much time there. Usually it’s the follow up questions that will stimulate the discussion.

However, Julie, who until our first week had never even owned a Bible, didn’t need a quick, shallow, answer. She needed to know how something written could possibly be “alive and active”.  She needed to understand the nature of this treasure she held in her hands.

Our current discussion was forgotten as we all gave our attention to explaining this one truth which seemed so simple, yet was so weighty. I wish you could have seen this group of women, who two weeks before were basically strangers, as they came together with such love and wisdom to help Julie grasp something she did not comprehend.

As a substitute co-leader I can tend to talk quite a bit, but I was happy to sit quietly and watch Julie as understanding dawned. It was wonderful!

Someone took her to the scripture referenced in our book:

“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.” Isaiah 40:8

 She explained that if the Word ‘remains’ it can’t be dead, it must be alive.

“So My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

 God’s Word is always doing something. Isaiah tells us that His word is like and rain and snow, causing growth and bringing forth life.

Another told Julie how God’s Word brings about salvation and restoration; that it is life.  Deuteronomy 32:47

The rest of our time was centered on the Word of God being living and active, and the seed that was planted…was in me.

I hope a seed was also planted in Julie, but I received a gift that day. I needed to be reminded of the sweetness of the Word of God; of the life-giving truth God’s word contains, and how it feeds my soul, to see the living and active in every verse I read…just living the thing.