2. “Word” Pictures If: Words are vehicles of thought; and Sentences are pictures painted with words; then Illustrations (word pictures) are the colors which make the images come to life. Metaphors, similes, idioms, hyperbole, and symbolism are all used to make the text vibrant and rich with meaning and appeal. Amazingly, some of these are used to help us perceive the value and usefulness of “the Word” itself- hence….

3. “Word” Pictures Consider the illustrations given in the text for “the Word”:  Light- Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” It is difficult for those of us “brought up in the church,” and ever “with the Bible,” to imagine how great is the darkness without it, cf. Matt.6:22-23. Since the Bible illumines every aspect of life for us: personal, family, professional, social, and religious, those without it are like “the blind leading the blind…” Matt.15:14; see also 1Cor.1:18ff.

4. “Word” Pictures Consider the illustrations given in the text for “the Word”:  Hammer- Jeremiah 23:29, “Is not My word…like a hammer which shatters rock?” The stubborn will and hard heart of man is broken to bits with the steadfastness of God’s word, Psalm 51:8b,17. In Acts 2:37, the marginal reading is “smitten in conscience” instead of “pierced to the heart” – NASV. Either one gets the point across that the word of God is able to break down the barriers we erect to truth and salvation, if we will just listen to it.

5. “Word” Pictures Consider the illustrations given in the text for “the Word”:  Fire- Jeremiah 23:29, “Is not My word like fire?” In the Bible, fire usually represents one of three things: 1) a purifying agent, 1Cor.3:12-15; 2) a destructive agent, Matt.3:10,12; or 3) an illuminating agent, Ex.13:21-22. The Word itself can be all of these: 1.1Peter 1:22, purified by obedience to the truth; 2.John 12:48, judged by the words of Jesus; 3.2Cor.4:4; 2Tim.1:10; light of the gospel, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

6. “Word” Pictures Consider the illustrations given in the text for “the Word”:  Food & Drink- Psalm 19:10b, “Sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb” and John 4:10, “living water.” When Ezekiel was commissioned to go and preach to the captives in Babylon, we was told to “eat the scroll” (Ezk.3:1), of which he afterwards said, “it was sweet as honey in my mouth,” (v.3). The Word of God should be that bread and honey which sustains us, Matt.4:4; and the living water which refreshes us to eternal life, John 4:14.

7. “Word” Pictures Consider the illustrations given in the text for “the Word”:  Sword- Ephesians 6;17, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” It is sharp enough to cut through the tough outer shell of rebellion and pride to pierce the heart, Acts 2:37. It is sharp enough to divide the soul (psuche) and spirit (pneuma), the joints and marrow, and the thoughts and intentions (act or process of thinking), Heb.4:12. It is sharp enough to be the only offensive weapon needed by the true soldier of Christ, Eph.6:10-17.

8. “Word” Pictures Consider the illustrations given in the text for “the Word”:  Seed- Luke 8:11, “the seed is the word of God.” A seed is the reproductive agent; it contains all of the genetic information necessary to reproduce after its kind, cf. Gen.1:11ff. So it is with the word of God: Should every Christian be removed from the earth, more could be (and would be!) reproduced from the seed of God’s word, for it remains forever, 1Pet.1:23.

9. “Word” Pictures Consider the illustrations given in the text for “the Word”:  Mirror- James 1:23, “a hearer of the word…looks at his natural face in the mirror,” The Bible, if we look into it carefully, completely, honestly, and sincerely, will allow us to see ourselves as God sees us. It will give divine (in)sight! But obviously, one must act upon the needs the mirror of God’s word reveals in order to be blessed, v.25.

10. “Word” Pictures Now do you see the colors God put in His “Word” pictures? Can you see the light? Has your rebellious heart been crushed with the hammer? Has the fire burned away the wickedness and left you purified? Has your hunger and thirst for knowledge been satiated with honey and living water? Has the sword pierced your heart and divided your thoughts from your intentions? Has the seed been planted which will produce a Christian in you? Do you see yourself in the mirror as God sees you? If not, why not?