“The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

 

 

I do not watch much television, but from time to time, I catch a few minutes of viewing time with my wife. Recently, the presenter asked one of our top chefs what single thing was indispensable in his kitchen. Without even thinking, he said “a sharp knife”. I can agree with him 100 per cent. There are very few things in life so frustrating as a blunt knife. It does not matter if you are a top chef or just want to peel a peach, a sharp knife is indispensable.

 

This is not only true about a knife. Any job is so much easier if you have the right equipment, be it a good pen or a good computer programme, as long as it is “sharp” enough for the task at hand. The most indispensable “tool” that we need to help people to believe in God, is the Word or message that comes from God. How efficient is the Word for this big task?

 

The author of the letter to the Hebrews had no doubt about the efficiency of the word. He began by calling it alive and active. Many people think that the message of the Bible is old-fashioned and has nothing to say to modern man, but His word never ages. It is always alive. Our messages may sometimes be dull, but the word is always active and energetic. Metaphorically speaking, it is even sharper than a double-edged sword. Paul also used the metaphor of the word as a sword when he wrote to the Ephesians, but here he introduces a very important new dimension – the Holy Spirit. The word of God is the sword, which the Spirit gives us. We do not use God’s word as a “tool” in isolation, the Spirit of God is at work in the heart of people and He works through the word.

 

Prayer: How can we ever thank you enough for the very sharp sword that you have given us to cut through the hard shield around the hearts of so many people to help them understand your Word and make it their own. Amen