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Daily Devotion: Hebrews 4:12-13

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Hebrews 4:12-13    "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (13)  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."

"For the word of God is quick and powerful."  The Word of God is alive and effectually active. Those two sentences say the very same thing. Taking the original meaning of the words "quick and powerful", we find the writer is talking about the risen Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God which is mentioned in this verse is the same Word which we find in the first chapter of John's account of the Gospel. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Some might ask how can I say this is the Living Word, Jesus Christ, rather than the written word, the Bible.  Let me use your and my experience to explain what I am saying.  Have you ever picked up your Bible and begun reading? After reading a chapter, you realize nothing has stuck in your mind. Nothing you read really stood out to you and caused you to feel any movement in your heart and mind. At that moment, can  you say it was "effectually active"?  Then at another time, you pick up your Bible and begin reading. Suddenly, your heart is filled with either guilt or joy or encouragement. What was the difference? It was the same written word of God, but on one occasion you feel nothing and on another occasion, you are filled with the glory of the Lord. May I submit to you the difference is the Living Word, "which is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword," took the written word of God and spoke it into your heart.

The Living Word of God, Jesus, knows all about you and your situations in life. Only He is able to apply the Word of God in the right place and manner. He is able to discern, or decide, how to apply the written word in your life.  He knows the thoughts and intentions of each of our hearts. He knows what we need at any given moment and if we will apply ourselves to reading and meditating upon the written word of God, Jesus will apply it into our lives by His Holy Spirit.  Yes, Jesus knows and Jesus is able to heal. Only Jesus can use the "sword of the Spirit" (the written word) to cut away those things in our lives which need to be removed and apply the healing balm to soothe and bring us to the place of spiritual activity where we can truly honor Him.

Jesus knows all about our struggles;
  He will guide ’til the day is done:
There’s not a Friend like the lowly Jesus:
   No, not one! no, not one!

When you pick up your Bible, always remember to ask the Lord to guide the direction of your thoughts as you read. You will be amazed.

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