Have you heard the saying, “Good things come in small packages”? This phrase reminds us it is not always the size of an object that determines its value. There are many examples in which this is true, even in our own language.
For example, consider three of the most simple, common, and short words in the English language: “if,” “and,” and “the.” Normally, these words are not the focal point of a sentence. Often, however, they have the power to change everything about a sentence. Consider these three examples from the Bible.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
In this verse, God promises forgiveness, healing, and restoration for His people. However, there is a powerful call to repentance and prayer by His people. It is an incredible promise of grace, IF God’s people will respond to His calling. Everything depends on the “IF.”
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.”
John 14:6
Jesus tells us the most important thing in the world: a relationship with the Creator, our Father in Heaven. Notice the repetition of the word, “THE,” in Jesus’ words. Jesus is not one way among many other ways to have this relationship, but He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life. The specificity and singularity of the word “THE” changes everything about this verse.
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the Earth.”
Acts 1:8
Everything about Jesus’ words here is powerful and significant, however, the word “AND” often gets overlooked. We are called to be witnesses of Jesus in Jerusalem AND all of Judea, AND in Samaria, AND even the remotest part of the Earth. Often, we see this as an excuse to choose where we want to serve, but the word, “AND,” changes everything. It is all-encompassing. We are responsible to see the message of Jesus presented in all areas of the world.
Let’s make sure we don’t overlook little, simple words. And, let's make sure we are faithful in following the messages of these little words so the Lord can create big impact on our calling and on our lives.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.