Today’s Reading, Hebrews 1-6
Focal Scripture: Hebrews 4:11 “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
I know of several people who revere works of literature. Whether it be The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or The Chronicles of Narnia. People who love these books have every right to be passionate about them as they are very good works of art that have compelling stories. The problem comes in when these works of art consume or take over a persons life. They become more passionate about these books than anything else. This is especially true for the believer, because they have the word of God.
In today’s reading the author of Hebrews explains just how important and powerful the word of God is to this congregation. He lets them know that the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two edged sword. It is so powerful that it can penetrate and separate the soul and the spirit, the joint and the marrow. The word of God is so powerful that it can even judge the thoughts and the intentions of the heart. To put it simply, the Bible exposes people to God. It reveals who we are, not holding anything back when it reveals the deepest parts of us as people.
The real question we must ask ourselves is this; do we make much of the word of God? This includes our personal lives and in cooperate worship. My closest friends and ministry partners take the word of God seriously, not just in theory, but in practice. That matters because who you surround yourself with on this topic will greatly influence your journey. Serious Bible people want to be pushed by the word. So how does one take the word of God seriously? By making it a priority in worship and in one’s personal lives.
I challenge you to examine your standards on this topic. Are you passionate about Gods word? Do you read and study it daily? Do you memorize and allow it to take control of your mind? Serious believers are serious readers of Gods word. Then examine your church and its view of scripture. It is easy to say you are passionate about the word corporately but does the evidence back that up in your services. Examine your small groups and discussions that happen. Examine the preacher and how he handles the word of God. Are stories more important than the actual scriptures? If so you are being entertained not rushed into the throne room of heaven.
These are difficult examinations to have with yourself and your church. Nevertheless, they must take place. We must be more passionate about Gods word than we are any other book we read. The Bible has power that transforms lives. Do we treat it that way when we read it, discuss it and hear it preached?
Allow the power of the word of God to change and transform you for his glory and his good.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Hebrews 7-10
