Meditating on the Less Common

Sometimes growing up in church, we become almost reliant on those verses we hear on a constant basis. We know them because we have heard them so much but do we REALLY know them? This morning in my quiet time, I was reading in Hebrews (in my totally awesome and brand new Reformation Study Bible..) and came across a very familiar passage. But as I read through it, a part of the verse kept ringing in my head.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living 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.

I know we have all heard this verse a million times. Especially the first part of the verse. I have often quoted the living and active part to other people. But I do not know if I ever really meditated or thought about the very ending of that verse. But today I really wanted to concentrate on the less common part of that verse.

"Judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" can be a very humbling thing. The idea that Word of God can discern my intentions when I approach it is almost scary. How many times do I do a Pharisee type reading of God's word? You know the days when you know you need to do it but you have a mind filled with other things and so you rush through it in order to "check it off" your to do list. This verse is clear that it is judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart tells me that I am not fooling anyone.

At the same time, there are those times when I am emotionally low. Those times when I come into Word heavy hearted and burdened. When I weak and unable to seek after him. This verse takes a whole new meaning and then becomes a joy. He can judge my heart and speak healing through his words to my dark soul.

Isn't God's Word amazing! Isn't it so cool when he can take something that has become so common, so misused, and still use it in the hearts of his people! I am so grateful that God's word is ALIVE. That it breathes life into me. It is nourishment for the soul!

Psalm 139:15
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Praise and Glory be to God our Father!