Dear Readers, Friends in Jesus Christ
Our watch word for today is taken from the Book of Nehemiah 8:8, “They read from the book of the law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning (of the text) so that the people could understand what was being read,” (NIV). Scholars tell us that Nehemiah came to Jerusalem in 445 BC to help Ezra with the restoration of the temple and the restoration of the word of God in the minds and hearts of the remnant of Israel who returned after 70 years of exile. Nehemiah repaired the broken walls of Jerusalem, not only did he restore the walls, but he was instrumental in fostering new understanding and love for the word of God. Every generation needs renewed interpretation of God’s word to be (re)contextualized in their life experience. We have a deeper and different understanding now of literature written about plagues and stringent measures that were followed to keep diseases at bay. Due to what we are experiencing, we suddenly have more empathy with those who suffered plights of plagues and pestilence throughout history, for we have felt (and are still feeling) the impact in our lives. Stories of suffering are not just stories any more; some of the impact is mirrored in our current reality.
God’s word, and the impact of his work in his world, is an ever-continuing lived reality. His work has meaning; it works in our lives to give purpose and hope. It ascribes deep and unique significance and value to every single individual. It is only with the benefit of heavenly hindsight, after the veil will be lifted, that we will be able to understand what our unique contribution on this earth has been. Until then, we have the obligation to continue to read the word of the Lord and to find and share the meaning of this word with every generation. God’s word is powerful. His Son came to fulfil every “iota and title” (the tiniest diacritical marks) to the utmost (Matt 5:8). God’s word will not return to him empty, but will achieve what he has planned (Isa 55:11). He assures us that his plans are for our benefit, not to harm us, but to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11).
This tradition (reading the daily watch words) was practiced by Count von Zinzendorf, who chose a daily text to contemplate on for the “Herrnhut” (Watch of the Lord) community. They were refugees from Bohemian and Moravia who lived on land he gave them in 1722, and ultimately became missionaries across the world. The practice of the daily watch word has been expanded into the development of the yearly and monthly watch word and the daily doctrinal or application text. Yesterday, we read the watch word for the year, that asks us to have mercy (Luke 6:36). The watch word for the month of January 2021 is taken from Psalm 4: 6, “Many say, Oh, that we might see some good,” (Amp Bible). Truly, is this not the call of our hearts as we come into this New Year? The Apostle Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner to be sentenced by the Roman Court, because he refused to stop preaching the gospel. However, he was allowed to stay in a house that he rented while he was awaiting trial. “Paul lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance,” Acts 28: 30-31 (NRSVB). Despite Paul having no church to preach in and being in house arrest, he continued to spread the gospel through the Roman Empire and many came to faith. God’s word is not confined to space or place, for it lives within the hearts of his children.
Father God, thank you that your word is without borders and boundaries. It works in the hearts and minds of people across the world, as they come to the knowledge of your plan and purpose for all. We pray to you in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus, Amen.