For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.’ Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV
The word is sharper than a two-edged sword piercing even to the division of soul and spirit.
Sometimes when we are in our feelings, our emotions, or whatever it may be, our flesh has a tendency to run away from God. This happens because we do not look to Him but away at our own circumstances.
When we come to Jesus, there is no other option but to be humble, because we see our faults before a holy God; His word is effective at exposing the thoughts and true intents of our hearts.
We should not shrink away from exposing ourselves to the light of His word because of pride or the fear of being discovered. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). We are to humble ourselves before Him daily, ready to be changed by His Spirit and His word.
‘again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.’ Hebrews 4:7-10 NKJV
When children of Israel rebelled against the Lord, God spoke to them. They however hardened their hearts and turned away from God (Hebrews 3), even though God was saying, “Come to me.” (Matthew 11:28).
Do not follow their wrong example. No matter what His word exposes in your life, there is grace to turn towards Jesus, but know for sure that obedience is required.
‘Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. ‘ Hebrews 4:11 NKJV
The same grace that God gives us to come to Him, to find rest in Him, is also for us to obey Him.
That is why the word is so powerful. It reveals our weaknesses and areas of needed improvement. It draws us near to God when we humbly come before Him and say, “I am in need of You, Lord.”
There is grace to be diligent. We can be diligent to enter this promised rest for the people of God. It is our choice to be diligent. It is our choice to not fall into disobedience. We are not powerless, but instead we have grace; that when we are weak, then we are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). If only we will keep our eyes on Jesus.
PRAYER: Thank You Lord, for Your word that sustains me. Help me to hide Your word within my heart, that I may not sin against You, that I may not turn away in Jesus name. Amen.