I Declare…

My childhood was a bit eclectic when it came to speech. From deep south ‘Well I declares’ to out west trend setting phrases.

I’m finding words are not wasted in the Bible. Each purposeful, each calling attention. Many times in the book of John he says ‘Jesus said’ – but a few times he says ‘Jesus declared’.

Pondering this one: “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.’ “ (John 6:35 NIV) It’s strong and sincere and done to get the attention of the listener.

This is what Jesus wants us to know beyond doubt: when we surrender our life to Him we will never feel hunger again. Not the tummy growling kind, the longing kind. We will never thirst again. Not the parched throat kind, the unsatisfied kind.

And so in our doubts of life that we’ll still be tossed about by, we will feel His presence and know there is no other. No other peace, no other promise, no other help.

Oh we will still lift up tear-filled eyes and ask why? What purpose? We will still feel weary at times. But Jesus goes on to say just five verses later: “For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40 NIV)

So now while we wait that last day, it is to us to declare. Because this is a promise that is to be shared.

There’s a beautiful song, Ancient Words, that sums up what we must remember about this Bible He’s preserved for us. From the sweet words of Jesus and the life lessons of all who have gone before. Many today will relegate it to a collection of antiquities, maybe admired but not taken seriously.

But hearts sealed for Jesus know this: “Holy words long preserved, for our walk in this world. They resound with God’s own heart. Oh, let the Ancient words impart…Words of Life, words of Hope. Give us strength, help us cope. In this world, where e’er we roam ancient words will guide us Home.” Hear this declaration sung so beautifully below – be changed and declare!