As I pen my final devotion, the words of the Apostle Paul comes to mind: “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:32 Here was an occasion where Paul was leaving the Ephesian church which he had pastored for the last three years. And he knew he would not be seeing them again. Yet his final exhortation for them was to urge them to continue growing in the knowledge of God’s word and living their lives by faith according to God’s promises. This is most important because only God’s living word can build them up and ensure their salvation. No other means can achieve God’s purposes for our lives. This is the one most important heartfelt advice that they needed to hear! This too is my encouragement and prayer for you. As the psalmist prays, “Preserve my life according to your word” (Psalm 119:25), so may we be endowed with the same spirit. Only God’s word can root our lives on a sure foundation and provide the building materials for us to construct our faith. God’s word is also the light to our path and assurance and comfort to our hearts. God’s word is also the sole hope for the nations of the world. So as you move ahead into a future that is both exciting and yet challenging, that God has graciously purposed for you in Christ Jesus, don’t neglect the consistent reading and meditating on God’s word, which is the Spirit’s very life to us. And live according to His commands in His word. Then you will be blessed with all fruitfulness and confident of your standing before our Lord Jesus when he comes!
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Rev. Ian Chew