The world is governed by the Lord Jesus, as we know, but it follows from this that the world is governed by the Word—Jesus is the Word of God, the Logos of God. The world is not governed by mechanical power. It is not governed by spells or necromancy. It is governed by the magic of the Word. Because of this, Christian ought to know that the Word has vicegerents—words.
“Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing” (Ps. 107:17-22).
Note verse 20. All it takes is a word. He sent His word, and healed them. But note also what precipitates this word. Why did God speak this healing word, this efficacious word? It was because of the words of men, more particularly the words of afflicted fools. They cried out to the Lord in their trouble. Deliverance is by the word, in response to words.
Our nation is staggering like a drunken man, weighed down by follies without number. When it comes to the most basic ethical issues, we are illiterates. We can’t spell, we can’t count, we can’t save, we can’t pull it out. And what must the Church do in these times? We must urge everyone we know to cry out to Jesus; we speak the word. Perhaps the Lord will hear and save us. And if He does, He will do it with Martin Luther’s “one little word.” He will speak it, with a slight nod, and we will be delivered. If He does not say the word, the one who labors, labors in vain.