By the time I finished High School, I was set on becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon. I had everything planned out. I had completed multiple internships at an Orthopedic office, worked as an Aide. I even watched a few surgeries. One was an NFL player, he tore his ACL, PCL, LCL, lateral and medial meniscus. Basically, the only thing still connected was his MCL and Patella tendon. As a side note, I was his Physical Therapist Aide throughout his recovery, and he is currently back playing in the NFL. It was an awesome experience. Now Jesus had other plans when He saved me after my Sophomore year of college, but I will never forget the surgery. I’ll refrain from being too gruesome, but when they made the cut with the surgical knife, his skin separated like a hot knife through butter. That saying is weird to me, but it works, it was really just astounding how easy it separated his skin.
In the book of Hebrews, the author talks about the word of God as a sharp double-edged sword.
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
The author tells us there are four traits to the word of God.
The word is living. This could be a reference to Psalm 119 indicating it’s life-giving ability but is more likely referring to God’s power to judge.
The word is active. The Greek word here refers to the effectiveness, and it’s seeking to judge. Isaiah 55:11 is an excellent connection with this verse.
Sharper than a double-edged sword. This is really cool because a double-edged sword was considered the sharpest sword, and here, the author says God’s word is even sharper! This refers to the words’ ability to get to the very core or heart of a person. The basic surgeon’s blade can cut through tissue, no problem, but it can’t cut to the core of a bone. But the word of God can cut straight through no problem.
Lastly, the word of God is able to judge the desires of the heart. The word of God reveals and judges the innermost thoughts of every person. There is no hiding from Jesus and the gospel message. The good news about the new kingdom.
My only question is, if this is true, what does God’s word reveal about your desires? Are we seeking Jesus and His kingdom? Or, are there hidden motives that we need to repent from? Hebrews 4:13 tells us that all things are laid bare before God, and we will all give an account. The message of Jesus is a severe matter, and the gospel is not only something that saves us from our past sin, but it reveals and convicts us of sin after salvation. The gospel is useful for sanctification. As the word of God reveals your heart’s desires, let it do it’s work on your soul, repent, and seek to follow Jesus.
For His Glory,
Sean Best
College Pastor