For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. -- Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

Before there were guns and cannons in warfare, there were swords. Swords have been a weapon used by warriors throughout history. They cut, slice, pierce, and fend off enemy attacks. Swords are able to inflict serious wounds, even death.

When the Bible talks about swords, it has this kind of potency in mind.

Our passage today tells us that God's Word is alive and active. It is doing something. It is not a static book that you read casually, picking it up and putting it down nonchalantly. It is a living book. The Bible cuts like a two-edged sword.

What is a two-edged sword? It is a sword with a blade that is sharp on both sides. No matter which way you slice or use it, it is sharp. Its aim is to cut and lay open.

How does this apply to the Bible? The Bible reads us. God uses Scripture to expose our hearts and our thoughts. It lays our heart's intentions bare. It shows our rebellion and stubbornness to obey God's law. This is why we should read it. We should gather weekly to hear it preached. We should study it. This is how we change and transform as believers. We let the Word of God shape our lives.

Scripture is a means of grace,
or a conduit for
God's grace to come into our lives.
God makes His presence known,
and His will understood, through Scripture.
It is a sharp tool in the hands of God
for making us more and more godly.

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The greatest thing we can do each day is put our lives underneath its blade and let God have His way with us.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is it so important that we are regularly submitting ourselves to God's Word?
- What are some things God has revealed to you in the Scriptures that "cut you open" under its sharp blade?
- Why is God's Word so powerful in doing a transformative work in our lives? Why is it set apart from other books in the world?

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