“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
(Galatians 6:7)
This text in Galatians is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking what God says seriously, knowing that how we respond to God’s Word determines the consequences we reap in life, both here and hereafter. Indeed, engaging with God’s Word is engaging with God Himself. This reality is exemplified by the Apostle John when he describes the incarnate Christ as the “Word” in his Gospel, highlighting Jesus the Son as God’s ultimate message to humanity.
The whole body of Scripture is divinely inspired, or “God-breathed,” (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21). This doctrine of divine inspiration explains why the Bible is not just a historical record of a people, a place, and a time… or even a revered manual for living. Rather, the words of Scripture themselves are recorded transcripts that manifest a God who lives and breathes and speaks and is ever present and active! As Hebrews 4:12 affirms, God’s Word is alive, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of transforming hearts and minds and, therefore, lives.
Isaiah 55:11 reassures us of the efficacy of God’s Word, promising that it will accomplish what God desires and achieve the purposes for which He sent it. This is a testament to the power of the Gospel as well, which brings life everlasting to those who embrace it and eternal judgment and death to those who reject it (this truth is also echoed in Ezekiel 47:9-10).
For all these reasons, the significance of how we engage with God’s Word is highlighted by the warning in Luke 8:18, “Take heed how you hear!” This admonition reminds us of the importance of being attentive, receptive, and obedient to the Word. It is a call to approach the Gospel with a prepared mind and heart, ready to receive, embrace, and act upon its teachings.
Jesus’ directive to His apostles to “shake the dust off their feet” in Mark 6:11 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s message, as well as those who deliver it. It also demonstrates the importance of cherishing and responding to the Word with faith and obedience. The experiences of Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin are cautionary reminders of the eternal implications of rejecting this Gospel of Grace. As John Flavel said, “The Gospel is a river of the waters of life, which quickens and refreshes everything that lives; but the mire and marish places will not be healed.”[1]
By planting seeds of faith and devotion through our obedient engagement with God’s Word, we open our hearts to the transformative power of the Gospel, ensuring a harvest of blessings, growth, and eternal life. Let us, therefore, embrace His Word with open hearts, ready to be transformed and to reap the abundant life God promises to those who faithfully respond to Him.
Contemplations:
- What a fearful condemnation is added to our sin and misery that we are not only accountable for all the light we have been given but for all that we might have had in the day of the Gospel!
- Lord, you will bring everything into judgment (Eccl. 12:14) – not only sinful actions but also words (Matt. 12:36), and not only words but also secrets of the heart (Rom. 2:16). When I consider all this in the context of Galatians 6:7, I realize all the more how important it is to plant seeds (thoughts, words, desires, and deeds) that I most want to reap in that great day of judgment.
- Lord, I must be aware of how invaluable a mercy it is that you are yet within the reach of offered grace… that I may continue to reap beneficial rewards from your Word now while there is still time.
- Lord, those born in a land where Bibles and ministers are plenteous get to experience one of your special mercies. Allow me to enjoy the vast blessing that is mine in this.
Further References for Galatians 6:7:
1 Cor. 6:9; Job 4:8; Prov. 22:8; 1 John 3:7
[1] John Flavel, England’s Duty under the Present Gospel Liberty (London: Printed for Matthew Wotton .., 1689), 13.
