Previously, we’ve discussed ways to get the Bible into our hearts and lives by using the “hand” analogy, where each finger represents a different study method. Now it’s time to discuss what the “hand” and “fingers” are holding steady, that is, the Word of God itself.

In Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is compared to a sword. But what battle does this sword take part in? Here the sword of the Word deeply penetrates our conscience to point out those things we wish to hide even from ourselves, so that our lives are open and our hearts are not hardened.

If you notice, this scripture (Hebrews 4) is not really pointed toward those who do not believe in or follow Jesus, but rather, is directed toward believers, with a warning about hearing the words of the Lord and letting them sink in, in other words, applying them and doing them.

May we all take this to heart and let the Spirit of the Lord “discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts”! Our God is a loving God and His reproofs to our conscience are for our good. We ought to lay ourselves open to His searches so that we may serve Him well and do what Jesus would have us do!

Hebrews 4:6-7, 11-13

“Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,

‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.’

“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 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.

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”