A Two-Edged Sword

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)

¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Devotion:

            Today’s scripture is a word of caution to us. In our culture we have become accustomed to living only for ourselves and only for today. Here the writer of Hebrews is telling us to think differently. We must consider our actions in light of God’s ultimate judgement. One day God will apply his word to our lives to see how well they are aligned.

            It would be a bad thing for us to be found out of alignment with God’s word. We who have trusted in Christ for our salvation will not lose that, but we still will be subject to the comparison of our lives with the word of God. We will all be forced to render an account of our thoughts and attitudes to God. For some this will no doubt be a painful time where it will feel like we are under the surgeon’s knife. We will be exposed for who we are on the inside.

            It is worth emphasizing here that nothing will be hidden. There is no secret thought, hidden prejudice, or undetected sin that will escape God’s attention. Many will say but God already forgave all my sins at the cross. That is true, but remember this letter was written to believers. If such an account must be rendered by believers imagine what it will be like for the unbelievers on that great and dreadful day. The day when God will make all things conform to his will and plan.

            In our day in 21^st century America we do not like to think of God’s judgement. We live our lives pretty much as we please, and do not concern ourselves with the future. Trusting in a loving God to treat us well if and when that last day comes. We feel entitled to God’s grace and mercy. Even if we know we are sinners saved by the blood of God’s precious lamb, Jesus Christ, we still feel that there is nothing to fear at the end of all things.

            We should instead remember what the writer of Hebrews says elsewhere, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” We must realize that we do not control God. There is nothing we can do to alter his righteous judgement upon our lives. Therefore, we must seek to watch over our secret thoughts and attitudes as much as we take care of outward appearances. Always remember the Pharisees whom Jesus warned because of their hypocrisy. Clean on the outside but full of dead men’s bones.

            So, let us then live lives that are pure on the inside as well as the outside. Let us pray that God will find us faithful and let us enter into the rest he has promised for those who trust in him.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, eternal word, letus live our lives in a way that is pleasing to you. Create in us clean hearts as well as clean hands. Let all of us dwell in the future temple of the Lord where we will be able to enter your rest, Father. Glorify your name through our lives. May we be living torches on the inside shining your light to a watching world. Amen.