Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 13-15
     New Testament Reading: Hebrews 4

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

This one verse tells us volumes about the Word of God. The Greek word used here for ‘Word’ is ‘logos’, and refers not to the Living Word, Jesus, but to the written word, the Bible. While the Word of God is comforting and nourishing to those who believe, it is a tool of spiritual surgery for those who doubt. God’s Word can reach the innermost recesses of our being. We must not think that we can bluff our way out of anything, for no secrets are hidden from God. We cannot keep our thoughts to ourselves. The Word of God passes judgment on our feelings and thoughts. What people hold as most secret they find subject to its scrutiny and judgment.

Verse 12 reveals three characteristics of the Word of God;

First, It is Living.
The Word of God is alive. It is a living text that interacts with us as God Himself interacts with us in the time we spend studying and applying it to our lives. The Bible is God’s special revelation to man, intended to direct us to salvation in Christ, and contains all we need to know to live a life that pleases God in obedience and righteousness. God’s word has the powerful and unique ability to discern and expose in us our truest thoughts and intentions. It will encourage, convict, and comfort us in ways that apply even to the details of our lives.

Second, It is Active.
The Word of God is dynamic, it has energy. It does things nothing else can do. It touches us where nothing else can reach. News articles may inform us. Novels may entertain us. Poetry may inspire us. But only the living, active Word of God can transform us.

Third, it is Sharp.
It is sharper than any double-edged sword. It is not a blunt instrument, but one with an edge to it that knifes its way into the innermost recesses where no surgeon’s scalpel can go. No surgical technique can correct a critical attitude, a closed mind, a rebellious spirit, a lustful heart, hypocrisy, greed, hatred, or an unforgiving spirit. These are all spiritual problems and must be dealt with by spiritual means. That’s where the Word of God comes in and does its work.

As Believers, we need to submit to the surgery of the Word of God daily and not fight the physician. The Lord knows where to cut and how deep, and what to take out. He is going to cut where it hurts, but trust Him. Remember, He is cutting because He wants you to be whole and healthy spiritually—because He loves you.