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. (Hebrews 4:!2)
When Hebrews 4:12 was written swords were a common weapon, so that verse would resonate with people of that time who read it and understand what Jesus was telling people. The Roman sword commonly had 2 edges, which made is more easy to penetrate, as well as to cut with. The idea was that as a sword can pierce and penetrate, so can the Word of God so that God can reach our very inner being.
If the Bible were written today, what would be the analogy? I think it likely that guns would be used as they are a weapon our society can identify with. But a gun is only good if you know where it is, how to use it, you have access to it AND ammo. It also needs to be used often so you aren’t using it for the first time in a battle situation.
In the same way, the Word of God is only good if you have it hidden in your heart, ready to pull out and use when needed. In the middle of a conflict do you want God’s Word to be something you’re searching for, or a familiar “weapon” that you’re know how to use?
I’ve come to realize that I need to increase my stockpile of ammo so that I have “bullets” ready to pull out and use throughout the day.
We all can look and see how we ofen don’t respond and react well to the events of life that happen around me. Just the other day I was annoyed (OK, more than just annoyed…) with the way someone was driving near me. They didn’t care, so the only person bugged was me. Looking back I realize that the enemy wants to throw us off our game at any given moment, and they usually sneak up on us. That is one small example – there are countless other times throughout the day where we have the opportunity to respond well or respond poorly.
I am asking God to continue to show me more and more throughout the day those places where I need to respond better, and I believe a fundamental item to have in our toolbox is the Word of God to use to help us calm our Spirit, so that we display the heart and mind of God throughout the day more.
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