'words' against THE WORD!

Today's reading completes John 8. After you read this in your Bible, I want you to do something. I want you to find a copy of "The Message" by Eugene Peterson and read this same passage. Yes, I know "The Message" is not a literal translation of the Bible; it's a paraphrase. But when you read this same passage from "The Message", it will capture the tension, the war of words that's happening in John 8. It will vividly paint the scene for you. You can just feel the tension and agitation of the moment. What is happening is the Pharisees are using 'words' to argue with THE WORD. It's 'words' against THE WORD! And do you know what? THE WORD wins every time.
In the final scene on earth, Christ returns and puts down all His enemies (see Rev.19). There we learn that "His name is called 'The Word of God'....(v.13) and that "out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations...(v.15) and "the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse...(v.21). The Word wins every time and ultimately wins the final battle. In Rev.3:14, Jesus is called "the Amen". What is 'amen'. It means 'so be it.' It's the last word at the end of our prayers. It's the final word. My friend, Jesus IS the final Word! He has the last Word! Man does not have the last word. The Word-Jesus Christ- has the final say!
So, let me ask you: Do you ever argue with God? Do you try to rationalize sin in your life? Do you have a little 'war of words' (if you will) against The Word? Don't even try it. It's a lost cause. Jesus wins every time. What we need to do is submit to the Word, immerse ourselves in the Word and be obedient to the Word. In fact, in our chapter today, Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32