Intro:
What is your favorite book? I like suspense and action books. There is something in the style that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
There is another Book that keeps me on the edge of my seat and that is God’s word, the Bible. Interestingly, the Bible does not keep me on the edge of my seat because of the stories but because of the way it reads me when I read it. Many of us have read the Bible but how many of us have let the Bible read us?
For the next week I want us to focus on the word of God. We are going to spend time meditating on it. Our “Think” time will be longer and more deliberate. Please take the time necessary to dig into the verses and THINK!
Thanks.
Read: Hebrews 4:12-13
12The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, it pierces even to the dividing of both soul and spirit and joints and marrow. It is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13There is no creature hidden from God’s sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we must give an account.Think:
Please note the two adjectives that are used in verse 12. Do you know of any other books that can be considered living and active? For that matter, do you know ANY inanimate objects that can be considered living and active? Maybe the Bible is not an inanimate object! Maybe it is not just another book on the shelf after all!
Do you see how verse 12 also says that the Bible reads us when we read it? It is called a sword that pierces our lives at deep places. Think about a sword that can pierce between soul and spirit. How deep is that? Something that can infiltrate the deepest parts of my emotions, my relationships and my spiritual life. That’s pretty deep!
But, this sword can also pierce between joints and marrow. How deep is that? Something that can infiltrate the deepest parts of my body, my actions and my physical life. That’s also pretty deep!
But really the question remains, WHY? Why is this important? The Bible is God’s tool to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ, his Son. The Bible is the means God uses to change us.
Now, consider verse 13. Why is this verse placed right after a verse on the word of God being intrusive? Think about it. Verse 13 says we are essentially naked before God and will give him an account of all we do on earth. That’s pretty intrusive, isn’t it?
What role, then does the word of God play in making us ready to stand before God some day? Think about this in light of verse 12 and 13 together. The Bible acts as a sort of “pre-test” like we had in grade school. It is both the measuring and the means of our growth. It helps us see where we are and where we need to be. It shows us what is important to God and invites us to allow God to change us.
That is not a normal book that can do that! That is a sword finding the deepest places in our lives.
Do:
Is it uncomfortable to think that God sees you without covering? Is there anything in your life that will bring you shame when you stand before God some day? The Bible is your friend and a tool that God will use to examine / intrude your life and make you like Jesus.
Is there anywhere you are resisting God right now?
Take time and memorize verse 12 this week. Write it on a 3x5 and stick it in your car, on the fridge, on your mirror …. wherever. Memorize it in a translation that you are used to and read on a regular basis.
Have a great day knowing that God sees you and loves you enough to give you His word to give you the greatest life at your deepest places.
Listen to Mercy Me, Word of God Speak in the Worship Center.
DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.
