“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.” — Hebrews 4:12a (NLT)
Being in God’s Word is a beautiful thing. As we read the words He has given to us, as they wash over us, they start to transform us (if we let them). The imagery of His words being used as a powerful weapon is incredible. It severs because it’s designed to remove or kill those things in our lives that are hurting us, those around us, and/or our relationship with God.
“It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” — Hebrews 4:12b
When something is exposed, it’s brought to light. We can tend to hide our thoughts, thinking it’s easier to keep them to ourselves. Fearful it might make us look weak, or crazy, we don’t share them. In other words, we think we need to have our crap together all the time. However, what’s hidden will eventually be brought to light. Our lives need to be exposed — to ourselves, to God, and to the right people around us (so they can actually help us with what’s going on).
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” — Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)
God already knows it all, but there is simply something good for our souls when we talk to Him about all that’s going on in our hearts and minds. We are accountable to Him.
“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” — Hebrews 4:15
This is so comforting. He faced all of the same temptations we will ever face and He did it without sin. How? He relied and trusted in the Father. That’s something we need to do every single day. Align ourselves with our Father — the One who created us, the One who loves us. He will help us get through any sin we are tempted by!
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” — Hebrews 4:16
Being able to come to the throne of our Gracious God is amazing. He knows our hearts. When we talk with Him, pray to Him and spend time with Him, we get to know Him more. He extends grace (more than we really understand) when we need it the most.
As we approach the Word of God, understand it’s living and active. It’s there to help expose the things in our lives that need to be changed. Also, it’s a comfort, because we know Jesus understands our weaknesses.
Let the Word of God wash over you today.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor