October 12 – Hebrews 4:12-13. The Word of God.

October 12 – Hebrews 4:12-13. The Word of God.

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. 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.

One of my favorite things to talk about is the Word of God.  You see, God has given us so many hidden mysteries within Scripture that describe this gift, but this verse illuminates many of them and asks us to scour the scriptures to figure out what it is God is saying to us.

We find in Ephesians 6:17 that the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. We see in John 1:1 that Jesus Christ is the Word.  He was there in the beginning, He was with God and He was God.

Now with those two pieces of information, we come to these verses in Hebrews and see that this sword is so sharp, it can penetrate to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Look at Revelation 1:16.  In this vision of Jesus, John sees Him with a sharp double-edged sword coming from his mouth.  To the church at Pergamum in Revelation 2:12-17, Jesus comes as the one with this sword in His mouth.  He comes to bring judgment against the Nicolaitans and He reminds the people that even though they have been faithful to Him, they are allowing teachings of other Gods to penetrate their midst.  He brings judgment.

We see this sword again in Revelation 19:11-16.  Jesus, called Faithful and True, comes forth on a white horse.  He judges with justice.  In Rev. 19:15, we see that out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.  He comes to bring justice and judgment.

When Jesus sends out the twelve in Matthew 10, he tells them that there will be people who cannot leave their lives to follow His teaching.  In Matthew 10:34, He says, "do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."

This sword, the Word of God, Jesus Christ, comes to bring judgment in justice.  Hebrews 4:13 finishes by saying, "Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Everything is laid bare before the one who brings judgment.  The good news for us is that this is also the one who is our advocate before God Almighty and the one who chose to stand in to cover our sin.

The Sword of the Spirit, The Word of God, Jesus Christ.  He is living and active yet today.