these are eternal words

Why do we
repeat ourselves?

Is it just to make noise,
or to really be heard.

Is it to be understood,
or to give emphasis?

I think since we can't
throw in italics or bold
on the words we speak...
we simply rely on repetition.

You know, in an effort
to make very clear
our expectations,
our intentions,
our rules or requirements.

Maybe to our children
or someone for whom
we are responsible?

I've done it when I'm angry.
Of that I'm certain.

But I've also done it
when I'm sorry.

I over-apologize sometimes
when I realize
I've hurt someone
by acting or speaking carelessly,
causing collateral damage.

Sorry dribbles out like
a leaky faucet until
someone tells me to stop.

I'm just one of those
who believe in the power
of words.

So when I find them
repeated in the Bible,
especially spoken
by the Lord Jesus, Himself,
I perk up a bit...
stand to attention
and start to take notes.

I think, hmmmm,
maybe this is something
I should study a bit more.

So there's this...
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but My words
will by no means pass away.
Matthew 24:35
Mark 13:31
Luke 21:33
​
Now it's not unusual
for the writers of the gospels
to give detail of the same event.
In fact, it lends credibility to
the life and history of Jesus.

But it's not often that details of
what Jesus spoke are quoted...
word for word.

Repeated by
Matthew,
Mark and
Luke...
three of the men
who walked with Him
day after day
for three years.

They seemed not have understood
all His words during those days,
but once He was gone,
they began to recall them.

Especially the words He repeated.
Because He wasn't one
who used words just to make noise.

Rather, He wanted
to make very clear
His exponential love,
His intentional healing,
His favor and grace.

And these disciples realized
the value of all that He spoke...
the wisdom He imparted,
the peace He gave,
the light He brought.

So they wisely recorded them
that we might know God
fully, wholly, for ourselves...
as our only, and personal Savior.

And Jesus repeated Himself
to make certain we knew
that our worth and value
was not in the stuff
with which we surround ourself.

But rather within...
in the person He made us to be.,
in the love He gave us to give,
in the grace He intended us to spread,
in the words He asked us to share.

Heaven and earth will pass away,
but My words
will by no means pass away.

Word of God
train me today...
To let go of my grasp on earthly things,
that I might take hold of the words
You left for me as truth.

To share these words graciously with others
as they are an eternal gift which I can give.