In the Bible, you will come across the word ‘whoever’ several times over. ‘Whoever’ is a pronoun that is neither gender, class, creed, nor race specific; its meaning spans the globe and includes just any and everybody - without any distinction. You and I feature in the ‘whoever’ group – knowingly or unknowingly. When it is not directed at ‘whoever,’ then it is ‘anyone,’ ‘everyone,’ ‘those who,’ ‘all the people’ or just plainly ‘you.’
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10)
“Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43)
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well.” (1 John 5:1)
Because the Bible was written to the Gentiles, Jews, Greeks and believers (addressed as saints), it is universal in its character. It encompasses everyone. God’s audience is first everybody. But then there are those who would not receive him or his Word. These people on their own volition wittingly excluded themselves from the audience to whom God’s word has been addressed.
Actually, God is not a Christian. He is the Creator and Father of all. “As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in the Lord will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13)
“Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 144:15b) “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:20)
“Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord – he is God! The Lord he is God!’ ” (1 Kings 18:38-39)
Begin to see yourself as the one for whom and to whom the Word of God is written and start being ‘a doer of the Word and not a hearer only’ and that can radically transform your life. Imagine having to receive your father’s will and never bothering to acquaint yourself with its contents? That would be a disaster! You cannot claim that no provision has been made for you.
“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved...” (Joel 2:32a) Salvation comes from none other than from the Lord Jesus Christ. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
The Bible is written for those who dare to read it without any prejudice or bias. Those who are bent on searching for the truth, end up finding it. Speaking about itself, the Bible says and we read: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
God urged Joshua in these terms: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8) The Word of God is a worthy companion for all who thirst for the water of life. Not until we peruse the pages of this worldwide best-seller can we be inspired by its contents. It addresses all our needs, in whatever sphere of the globe we will find ourselves. It touches the heart and responds to its heartbeat.
“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17)
