Freiday Devotional

Passage: For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Exposition: This passage reminds me of a story that one of the Profs at DTS likes to tell to the new students in his Bible Study Methods course. It goes something like this: "I met a lady once who informed me that she had read through the Bible 30 times. I said, 'Great! But how many times has the Bible been through you?'"

Now, I don't know how many of us could say that we've read through the Bible 30 times, let alone once. But when was the last time you let the Bible, God's Word, speak to you? As the author of Hebrews points out, God's word is "living" and "active." This is not to say that the Bible is going to run a marathon or blow you a kiss. But it is saying, that God's Word has the power to change lives, and it is in the process of doing so. If we would all spend more time in God's Word, we would see our lives change, and the lives of those around us.

The author of Hebrews not only describes the Word of God as "living" and "active," but as a "two-edged sword." This sword is not only sharp, but sharper than any other sword. This metaphor conjures up images of God's judgment, and that is what the author is talking about. Many people view this passage as proclaiming judgment on unbelievers, however, given the context (vv. 11-15), this passage is talking to believers. So, Christians will be judged by God's word. This is not a judgment unto hell or heaven, but of spiritual rewards.

This judgment, as illustrated by the sword, pierces deep into the person. The "soul and spirit" and "joint and marrow" illustrate the depth and severity of God's judgment. His Word is able to judge the smallest difference between what is spiritual and what is natural. Beyond that, it is able to judge the "thoughts and intentions of the heart." Therefore, God knows every conscious or subconscious thought one has had, whether for good or evil. There is no bluffing with God; no secrets hid from Him.

Therefore, shouldn't we all spend a little more time with God? Perhaps reading through that He has given us? As stated earlier, God's Word has the power to change lives, so I ask, is it changing yours? If it's not, why not? What could you do differently?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word, which guides us and leads us into truth and righteousness. We thank You for the sacrifice of Christ, that we may have a restored relationship with You through Him. Now, we ask that You help us get into Your word, that we may know and love You all the more. May Your Holy Spirit teach us and instruct us in the ways of holy living. In Jesus' name and by the Spirit we prayer, Amen.