If you have studied using the methods outlined in the book, Studying, Interpreting and Applying the Bible, you know the authors emphasize he importance of words. They implore the reader to dive deep into their meanings and the relationship to the thoughts and concepts behind them. The serious student of the Bible is encouraged to pursue the author’s intent, implications, and unique nuances of the choice of specific words.
Words represent ideas. Words are the medium by which we communicate ideas and thoughts. The greater and more specific a man’s vocabulary, the greater his ability to develop and communicate his thinking.
This is particularly true when considering the infinite and indescribable character of God. Words matter in the pursuit of knowing and understanding Him. Without a correct understanding of the words, we risk misunderstanding His character and promises. This is critical to a growing and deepening relationship with Him—an expanding vocabulary!
For example, take 1 John 2:2. The New American Standard Bible and the King James Version translate the Greek word hilasmos as “propitiation.” Other versions use the words: expiation, atonement, sacrifice, forgiveness, etc., each of which has a unique but inadequate meaning to the all-important work of the cross. Propitiation is the better word as it encompasses the total, final, complete satisfaction of God’s justice, declaring the believer innocent of all infractions through the Savior, Jesus.
One such word that continues to intrigue me is the word “precious.”
We invest in that which is precious to us; we protect it, embrace it. Hold it close. It is our priority, it reflects our hope. Precious things are rare, valuable and irreplaceable.
It is an emotional word as fear sets in with the thought of losing that which is precious to us.
Temporally speaking, we might consider family, friends, those with whom we have invested in, suffered with and grown with are certainly precious. Certain relationships are obviously precious to us! Family heirlooms, education/learning, position, wealth, possessions, etc. can be precious as we have invested, nurtured and become attached to them over time.
But….God says:
“And if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman” (Jeremiah 15:19).
God implores us to extract that which He considers precious from what we consider precious. We obviously have values that He considers worthless. His will is for us to embrace that which is precious to Him!
He says we will then become useful by becoming His spokesman.
This leads us to ask what is it that is precious to God?
Although not an exhaustive list, below are five things that are precious in God’s mind:
- “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!” (Psalms 36:7). The steadfast love of God is the pillar of our faith and the hope of all believers!
- “Wisdom is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire compares with her” (Proverbs 3:15). Learning how to live through the Wisdom of God is the path of a well-lived life.
- “How precious are your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalms 139:17). God’s thoughts are inexhaustible, higher and deeper than anything man can offer.
- “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” (Psalms 116:15). The death of the saints commences an eternity with Him! We are an inheritance to Himself. “…The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18).
- “Because you are precious in my sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life” (Isaiah 43:4). God considers His people so precious to Him, He privileges them by inviting them to participate in His redemptive work by giving their lives to other people in order to gain their souls!
Notice these precious things are all eternal in value. Embrace the eternally precious things: people and the Word of God.
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