Thought for the Week

“The Word of God … ”

Deuteronomy 8v3 “Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD … ” (NIV)

Ukrainians have, until now, had a choice of using an old Ukrainian Bible (a bit like our King James Version) or a modern Russian version. In 2018, the International Bible Society launched a project to produce a modern Ukrainian translation. It is still planned to be released in print in June this year.

However, with the current situation and the obvious emotional difficulty for many Ukrainians to read the Bible in Russian, the IBS worked to release the new translation in on-line form earlier this month. The result is that 150,000 downloads have been made in Ukraine in the first three weeks, and there have been many more downloads amongst the refugee community outside Ukraine. Imagine the excitement for these people who are now able to read God’s Word in their “heart language” for the first time – and all the more in their current situation.

When Jesus was in the desert and hungry, our Lord Jesus quoted the above verse from Deuteronomy to counter the Devil’s temptation to turn stones into food. The Word of God was vital to him. As in the Old Testament, so in the New, God’s word brings life (eg Philippians 2v16).

Do we take our access to the Word of God for granted? Do we eagerly seek to hear what he says in every situation. Do we seek God’s word both in difficulty and in joy? The song-writer writes, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119v11)

With love and blessing,

Roland