“For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature than is not manifest in His sight; but, all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.”
Hebrews 4:12-13
Truly, it is the “Scalpel of the Soul.”
God’s Word.
That Book you hold in your hand. . .“Given by inspiration of God and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness to you may be spiritually mature and thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good words” (II Tim. 3:16-17). . .what does it mean to you?
Do you “hide its words in your heart so you won’t sin against God” (Ps. 119:11)? Is it a “lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path” (Ps. 119:105)? Do you “study it to show yourself approved unto God as a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (II Tim. 2:15)? Are you allowing it to “help renew your mind and transform you into that living sacrifice God desires so you can prove what is His good, perfect and acceptable Will” (Rom. 12:1-2)?
If so, give thanks; if not, repent.
Believe it or not, the primary ones that opposed Christ during His earthly ministry were the religious folks, not the reprobate or heathen. It was those who’d studied the Law and somehow believed they kept every “jot and tittle” of it that sought ways “to catch Him in His words” (Mk. 12:13), not the “common people, who heard Him gladly” (Mk. 12:37b).
And, the same is true today, Pilgrim.
It’s still the proud who find fault with others and love “wrangling over words” when it comes to God’s Word (II Tim. 2:16). Instead of being changed by the Word, they delight in pointing out others’ shortcomings in expounding it. And, like the scribes and Pharisees. . .who knew Jesus “taught the Way of God in truth” (Mk. 12:14b). . .they still persist in their persecution of those who do not meet their expectations or whose words of Truth pierce their pious pretense, exposing them for what they really are (Mk. 12:1-12).
A very sharp knife was used by the priest on the dead animal offered as a sacrifice unto God. Its carcass would be cut from the nose, across the skull and down the backbone all the way to the tail, halving the body and exposing everything that lay within—for it also had to be “without blemish” on the inside, not just the outside.
And, God’s Word is the very same way for us.
It’s “quick (living), powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.” So, do not condemn a preacher when his message pierces you to the quick; instead give thanks. Do not be as those who killed God’s messengers when they did not like His Message; instead, allow His Word, as the “Scalpel of the Soul,” to do its work—for it’s always for the purpose of healing.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated May 17, 2010
