A Thought For The Week Of October 6

"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." (Hebrews 4:12) This is a powerful verse that  some will undoubtedly recoil from because it uses weaponry as an image - God's Word being sharper than a double edged sword. I can understand the angst that might cause to some. But I also think it's important - whatever the imagery - to pay a lot more attention to the message than to the image. First, this is an image that speaks of the power of God's Word. Swords were among the most dangerous weapons an individual could possess in those days; double edged swords especially so. So, no matter what worldly opposition we face we have the Word of God, which is more powerful. But of course the real focus of the verse is the inner effect of God's Word on the believer. Like a sword, it cuts into us. It's what separates the spirit from the flesh. I don't want to fall into dualism, but God's Word is what helps us realize that spirit and flesh want different things: spirit to please God and flesh self-gratification. God's Word divides the two so that we're aware of the conflict, even if we don't always allow the spirit to be in control. God's Word gets to "the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." It "cuts to the heart of the matter," you might say. It touches us inside. God's Word allows us to understands God's ways, which basically gives us a conscience. God's Word cuts into us and reveals to us what's really going on inside - where we fail, where we sin, where we need to be transformed, how we need to live. Ultimately, as violent as the sword imagery might be, it's that very image that jars us. And - although jarring, and perhaps because it's jarring - this powerful image should lead us not to hatred and killing, but to love and life - if we allow the spirit to take priority over the flesh. Have a great week!