For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Sharper
Each year university lumberjacks from schools in Canada and the United States sharpen their axes to compete in the McGill Intercollegiate Woodsmen Competition. Over 160 male and female student-athletes compete in individual, pairs and team events that include axe-throwing, log-rolling, pole-climbing, water-boil, snowshoe racing and more. The events showcase Canada’s rich history in lumber sports as celebrated by a whole new generation of lumberjacks and lumberjills. Each team consists of six competitors, plus one alternate.
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We have all seen that ad on TV where a knife cuts through a tomato as easily as if it were a pound of butter. The author of the book of Hebrews uses a sharp sword, rather than a knife, to explain the power of the Word of God, the Bible. In Hebrews 4:12 we read: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” When we take the time to read the Bible, something amazing happens. We begin to see our own hearts and lives as God does. This can be painful – some of the things we see revealed in our lives through our time in God’s Word are not pleasant. But this is necessary if we are going to become more like Jesus. For when we see our hearts as God does, the Holy Spirit then comes to bring conviction, forgiveness and cleansing. This is why the Lord calls us to regularly spend time studying the Bible – so that through it He can continue His work in our lives to make us more and more like Jesus in our actions and attitude.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley