The Word of God, beyond letters

Too often, I feel, Christians hold the bible up, black covers clamped in righteous fist like a bludgeon, and say "This is the Word of God!" When what they mean is, "this is the Law of God". Some how the meaning and the text have become lost amongst the believers.

I don't feel this is simply semantics, since the disciples, following Jesus' example, go to great lengths to distinguish between the Law and the Word. The New Testament is not the Word of God, Jesus is the Word of God.(John 1:14) His message powered by the Holy Spirit transcends static text and language. The New Testament is a record of the Word of God, it is not the Word itself. I don't feel that this clarification devalues the importance of the New Testament in anyway, but simply recalls its original and intended value. I do believe however that to ignore the message and teachings of the Christ, and to insist that the Bible and the Word are the same thing, is to devalue the purpose and meaning of Christ's sacrifice. "The letter kills, but the spirit gives life," 2 Corinthians 3:6

We are too often distracted by the light glowing brightly on the dark wall and forget the value and purpose of the light's source. Too often we grasp at what we can see and hold in our hand, rather than reaching out to that which is beyond our current perceptions.

Jesus, the Word of God, is much like the concept of Freedom. Everyone believes that Freedom is a good thing, but not everyone is willing to take responsibility for their freedom. Thomas Jefferson once said "Those who wish for Freedom and Safety, deserve neither."

Freedom is a lot of work, and enacting Freedom in our lives is to take full responsibility for our lives; to give up all the excuses and crutches for our faults and shortcomings; to say "I am responsible for my life because I choose Freedom over servitude."

2Cr 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.

2Cr 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

2Cr 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

2Cr 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty.

2Cr 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.