The Sword
Have you ever been hit in the eye with a sword?
I almost was! (Okay, it was a plastic sword, but it was still pretty dramatic!)
It was Christmas a few years ago, and we visited some friends with two little kids. Not to brag, but these kids LOVE me. They think I'm the funniest guy in the world and love playing with me. (I guess I'm just a big kid at heart.)
While we were playing in the living room, one of my little friends pulled out a plastic sword they got at a pirate show. While she was waving it around, pretending to stab me in the arm, she missed her mark, and the sword went right for my eye. Thankfully, she just missed, and my eye wasn't damaged. But it reminded me that even in the hands of a toddler, a sword can be powerful.
Perhaps that's why Hebrews 4:12 describes God's Word as a two-edged sword: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (ESV)
This verse reminds us that God's Word is more than just a book meant to sit on a shelf. It is practical, applicable, and meant to make a difference in our lives.
Recently, I was reading this passage in my Fire Bible. The notes for this passage point out that, like a sword, the Bible cuts into our innermost being to discern whether our thoughts and motives are worthy or unworthy, spiritual or unspiritual.
It cuts away the spiritual corruption from our lives and brings healing and life to those who submit to it. Like a warrior's sword, God's Word brings judgment and destruction on those who openly defy it.
Basically, the Holy Spirit uses the words of the Bible to teach us God's ways, convict us when we are not following God's ways, show us the wrong motives inside of our hearts, and lead us back to God's truth.
Like a sword, the Holy Spirit uses God's Word to cut through the garbage and noise of our excuses, sinful desires, and wrong motives and say, "Stop the nonsense: this is God's way—choose to obey."
The Bible isn't just a boring book full of old stories and ideas. It's living, it's alive, and it's meant to make a difference in your life. It's designed to reveal your heart and create a response inside of you.
It's supposed to bring conviction so you can correct your path and walk in God's ways.
As my friend, Pastor Phil Menditto, says, "I rarely read the Bible that I don't feel the Holy Spirit convicting me of something in my life."
That's how it's supposed to be. Like a sword, it's a powerful weapon designed to make a difference in our lives. A legendary man of God understands this and embraces the Word of God.
Weekly Memory Verse:
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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