1 Peter: Peace in Exileনমুনা

The Enduring Word

. . . but the word of the Lord endures forever. (v. 25 NRSV)

Everything around us is fading away with the striking exception of the Word of the Lord, which is “living and active” (Heb. 4:12) and endures forever. John Calvin, the most influential theologian of the Reformed tradition, writes in his commentary about this staggering claim: “What the prophet had in mind was that there is no permanent life but in God, and that this is communicated to us by the Word.” This is his way of saying, “The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever” (v. 25 NRSV).

Some years ago, I along with a couple of friends memorized the entire book of Revelation, which was an exhilarating spiritual practice, and we offered it as a performance at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Old Dimnent Chapel was packed to overflowing, and by God’s grace our offering to the gathered brothers and sisters was nearly word perfect. After the service several people were telling us how meaningful it had been for them and we were all very encouraged by their comments. Among the most moving comments came from a friend who was in a pitched battle with cancer; a battle he would eventually lose. After we had embraced, he said to me, “Apparently it is going to turn out alright for me!” It was his way of saying, “The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever”!

As you pray, praise God that his Word endures though all else fades away.