God's word sharper than a double-edged sword

Hebrews 4:12 (LB)

God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.

Have you ever heard or read a verse or passage of Scripture and it “cut you to the quick”?  That is, did it hurt to hear the words?  On the other hand, haven’t you read or hear a verse or passage of Scripture that broke your heart wide open or gave you an overwhelming feeling of comfort and assurance?  The dual ability of the Word of God both to hurt and to help/heal explains the meaning of a double-edged sword.  Verses that speak on sin and immoral and selfish behaviors are examples of the way God’s word is alive and working and sharp in causing us pain to hear/read these words.  Verses that speak on love and forgiveness and God’s promises are examples of the way God’s word is alive and working and sharp in providing comfort and healing and reassurance.

God’s word (“logos”) has the following characteristics:

·  It is alive and working (also translated as living and active).  God’s Word is already written partly in your heart while written completely in the book called the Bible.  Its words bring life and energy into your life if you open your mind and heart to read, hear, study, meditate, apply, and teach it others (e.g. your children, grandchildren, friends, whoever).

·  It is sharper than a double-edged sword.  Sharpness means penetrating power.  It can impact your life deeply.  It can bring to the forefront deeply hidden faults and weaknesses in your life.  It can also bring great comfort and resolution to make significant changes in your life.  Someone once said that one edge of the sword is the God who exposes and judges while the other edge of the sword is the God who saves and reassures with great hope.

·  It cuts all the way into you and can reveal the most hidden aspects of sin and hurt in your life.

·  It cuts and divides your soul and spirit.  Can you adequately define the real difference between your soul and your spirit?  There is a fine line between the two, yet the word of God can penetrate even that deeply into your life.  Again, nothing in your entire being is hidden from God and His Word will reveal this to you.  Hidden pride, selfishness, immorality, impurity, or any other defect in your life will be revealed to you if/when you allow His word to penetrate your soul and spirit.

·  It judges the thoughts and feelings in your heart.  God uses His word to search within your inner being to reveal the true motives of what you think and how your feel.  He already knows, but He wants to use His Word for you to learn what He already knows.  Then, once you learn and see what He knows, you will be more motivated to seek positive changes in your life.  

Think about your own experiences in hearing and reading God’s Word. List some of the verses in His Word that you know have cut deeply into your mind, soul, and spirit that caused either deep pain or great comfort (some of mine are II Corinthians 10:5, Matthew 7:21,Philippians 2:14, Psalm 23, Psalm 25, and Romans 12:1-2).  From now on, approach His Word with renewed respect and awe based on the perspective that you now have from understanding better what Hebrews 4:12 teaches about His Word.  And never forget what the following verse (Hebrews 4:13) says:  “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account”.  Sobering words, do not ignore them, do not be nonchalant about them.