Living Reality in our Souls

"Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron . . .and from there he went against the inhabitants of Debir;now the name Debir before was Kirjath-sepher." (Judges 1:10-11)

Hebron means communion, and Kirjath-sepher, the name of the nearby city associated with it, means "city of the book." This calls to mind the precious Book, the Bible, which we are to conquer. Conquer the Bible? Yes, we are to take possession of it and make it for ourselves a Book of delight, a Book that speaks to us of God.When this city of Kirjath-sepher was taken, its name was changed to Debir, which means "word of God."

To have the Bible become the word of God to us, that is a victory! When we take possession of the Word of God, make its doctrines a living reality, use it as the voice of God speaking to His people, then praise, worship, and joy are unhindered, and we will have power being made increasingly manifest.

Alas! the Church has not done that and has forsaken the doctrines right away. As a result, darkness and failure have come in.So it is also for us personally. Suppose you or I keep the Book closed, or cling to the mere letter of the Word instead of to its living reality.

What is the result? There is no further progress, no further growth, and the preaching we solicit is that which will cater to the taste of the natural man. That is the sad state of the Church.Thank God for every exception to this. Remember then, this one point, namely, that what makes anything secure for us is the supremacy of truth. Truth must be supreme if there is to be recovery to God and power for God. We must get the truth again, that is, the Word of God, and make it a living reality in our souls. (S. Ridout)