Thoughts for the Day

Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

This passage from Hebrews, Chapter 4, bring with it a terrible warning. Today, we have many ways of using light to help us look closer or deeper at something. We have searchlights and headlights to see at night; we have magnifying glasses and microscopes to inspect something very small; we have the internet to help us search for information; and we have sensors and infrared light to discover intruders or find those who are lost.

All of these have something to do with searching but Paul uses a very different and chilling image. He says "the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword". This "word" ('logos' in Greek) has tremendous power, and as we have seen before it's more than speech, it can cause an action to happen. Paul uses it to describe how God is able to bring to light all things that are hidden. He continues with his brutal metaphor. The sword can pierce us "until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart". All of this is to remind his readers that when they approach God nothing that they have thought, said, or done, will be hidden. Everything will be brought to light!

Then Paul offers his readers, hope. He says that Jesus, the Son of God, is now their High Priest and stands before the throne of God ready to plead for them. He lived on earth, yet without sinning, and He understands their weakness and will mediate for them with His Heavenly Father. When they turn in humility and total honesty to God, who can see their every thought and intention, Jesus will be with them. Then, will they receive God's grace.

Lord Jesus Christ,
often we wander away from You.
Sometimes our intentions seem good,
and sometimes we just get wrapped up
in worldly cares and forget You.
May we remember that we need
constantly to render an account of our life,
and that You see into our very soul.
In Your mercy, guide us we pray
to the throne of Grace
and intercede for us as we make our confession.
Amen.