A Famine of the Word

We’re living in times much like those prophesied by Amos: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11-12). This isn’t about physical hunger, but a profound yearning for God’s truth. In our information-rich world, it’s genuine divine wisdom that we truly seek.

God’s relationship with us is rooted in a covenant, as highlighted in Exodus 19:5-6: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” This covenant isn’t just a promise; it’s a guide for living in alignment with God’s will. These ancient words continue to resonate, reminding us to stay true to God’s path in a world often at odds with His ways.

Our souls, like our bodies, need nourishment found in God’s Word. As Deuteronomy 8:3 says, “Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” In a world filled with spiritual emptiness, God’s words offer fulfillment and guide us back to what’s real and true.

The Bible warns us about the consequences of ignoring God’s wisdom. Jeremiah 7:23-28 states, “But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.” This highlights the dangers of turning away from God’s path.

Jesus’ warnings about false prophets are starkly relevant today, as in Matthew 23:13, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” and in Matthew 24:11, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” These false voices can mislead us, deepening our spiritual hunger. We must remain vigilant and discerning.

In I Corinthians 10:1-4, Paul reminds us of our spiritual heritage: “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” Like them, we are nourished by Christ, our spiritual rock.

Yet, we are cautioned about how false doctrines can corrupt the word of God. Revelation 17:1-4 warns, “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” Similarly, Isaiah 24:1-5 depicts a world misled by these false teachings, emphasizing the need to seek the pure, unaltered word of God.

Ezekiel 3:1-11 tells of the prophet being commanded to eat a scroll and speak to Israel: “Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.” Like Ezekiel, we’re called to internalize God’s word and share its truth.

In these challenging times, turning to God’s word and holding onto His promises becomes our guiding light. By doing so, we’ll navigate through the darkness and find strength toward God’s truth.