“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.”
Hebrews 4:12
No surgical procedure can correct a bad attitude, open a closed mind, change a lustful heart, alter a rebellious spirit, refocus a judgmental eye, or clear a clouded soul. Only God’s Word through the Holy Spirit can do that.
The “In Other Words” material by Wycliffe Bible Translators (1986) tells of the indigenous people of the Philippines, the Agta, who have an interesting insight in their language for the phrase “living and active.” To illustrate, they point to the samrid, a caterpillar that infests certain trees and plants. Human contact with it results in a burning welt. But if you’d take a leaf and scoop the samrid onto it, fold the leaf and crush it, you can remove the caterpillar and rub the fluids left on the leaf directly on the welt for immediate and lasting relief. It’s vibrant and potent at the same time.
Notice the parallel to the Word of God. If you don’t open it, it holds only judgment. But if you read it and apply it, the results are life-changing. When the Word penetrates, read on for God’s comforting promises.
The “In Other Words” material by Wycliffe Bible Translators (1986) tells of the indigenous people of the Philippines, the Agta, who have an interesting insight in their language for the phrase “living and active.” To illustrate, they point to the samrid, a caterpillar that infests certain trees and plants. Human contact with it results in a burning welt. But if you’d take a leaf and scoop the samrid onto it, fold the leaf and crush it, you can remove the caterpillar and rub the fluids left on the leaf directly on the welt for immediate and lasting relief. It’s vibrant and potent at the same time.
Notice the parallel to the Word of God. If you don’t open it, it holds only judgment. But if you read it and apply it, the results are life-changing. When the Word penetrates, read on for God’s comforting promises.
Scripture Focus
Hebrews 4:1-13
Insight
It’s been said that there are two ways you can study the Bible: with your mind made up, or to let it make up your mind.
Bible In A Year
- Job 37-38
- Psalm 60
- Luke 23
