One of my favorite Scriptures to dwell on is found in the book of Hebrews which says this: “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 shows the uniqueness and the power of God’s Word, the Bible. It gives insight into how the Word of God operates in our lives. So, in breaking down this Scripture, it says the Word of God is:
1 – Alive and active
2 – Sharper than a two edged sword
3 – Penetrates to dividing soul,spirit,joints and marrow
4 – Judges the thoughts and intents of the heart
So what does this all mean? For one, it shows the effect that God’s Word can have on our lives as we take the time to study, meditate and apply it. Now, I happen to be one that believes that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God. I realize that many do not believe this, but I believe it. As a former Atheist in my younger years, I did not always believe that. But when I gave my life to Jesus Christ and had a genuine “born-again” experience as the Scriptures teach (John 3:3-5), the Bible, which I previously had no interest in, suddenly came alive. I love the the Amplified Classic Bible describes it:
“Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),”( 2 Timothy 3:16 – Amplified Classic Bible)
Scripture is “God-breathed”; fully “inspired” by Him. This is why it is described as “alive and active”; some translations, like the King James and the New King James says it’s “alive and powerful”. God’s Word is alive, active and powerful because it is “breathed” by Him. And that is why it has the power to change you as you study and apply it.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 – NASB – For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.
This shows the transformative power of the “active and alive” Word of God. Combined with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, it has the power to change us and as 1 Thessalonians says, performs its work in us who are believers because it is truly not the word of mere human beings (though human beings were the agents that God used to communicate His Word), but it is truly the Word of God. And what are we as Christians being transformed into? To be like Jesus! Romans and 2 Corinthians describes it like this:
Romans 8:29 – NKJV – For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
2 Corinthians 3:18 – NASB – But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit
That’s why it is so important that we spend quality time, not just in prayer and building up our personal devotions, but also, in study of Scripture. It’s good to spend quality time absorbing and meditating on God’s Word as the Scripture tells us to do.
Psalms 1:1-3 – NKJV – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night.He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,That brings forth its fruit in its season,whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.
Meditation with Scripture is not talking about some Eastern Philosophy or some cult-like ideology. But biblical meditation is learning how to study, process and ponder God’s “living, active” Word, then applying it as we are instructed to do in the book of James:
James 1:22-24 – NIV – Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
As you do this and submit to the guidance and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, you will begin to reflect the character of Jesus Christ in your life. This takes time, which is what being a true disciple of the Lord means.
We will continue this study next issue. God Bless!
