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12 For the word of God is alive 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. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:12-16 NIV Bible)
It's a memory that I have never forgotten. A young man from India, sitting in our church's parlor at a ministerial alliance meeting that we were hosting, shared, now as a missionary to America, the day he, as a small boy, was eavesdropping on a conversation his father was having with missionaries from America, who had brought to this home, a Holy Bible in their particular language. The men retreated to the kitchen for tea, and this young man helped himself to the pages of the Bible. It was not what he expected; it was better. This boy heard the Bible talking to him. "I never in my life had heard a book talk, and this one was talking to me!" As soon as he was able, he secured a copy for himself and his life was never the same again.
A representative from a Bible society made his way to a ferocious tribe in Africa where the chief of that tribe was a smoker. They grew their own tobacco but finding smoking paper was difficult. The rep handed the chief a Bible and the chief immediately felt the pages and was delighted, "These are the papers I had been wanting! Perfect for smoking!" Not what the rep wanted to hear but he did hold the Bible before releasing it; "You must promised me, Chief, that before you smoke a page from this Bible you will read all that is written on it." The chief was reluctant, but agreed. It would be years later where at a Bible conference, this same rep, now aged a bit, was being recognized for his service to the people of Africa. When introduced one audience member was ecstatic and immediately after the conference ran to the rep and hugged him tightly. It was the chief from that tribe that was the smoker. As they talked, the rep heard the man explain that he smoked all through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, all the prophets, Matthew, Mark, Luke and the man said, "When I got to John, I read John 3:16 and I stopped smoking!" The verse spoke to him and changes his life.
These two stories remind us of the power of God’s Word. It is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is a living force that has the ability to penetrate our very being. Like a surgeon’s scalpel, it can cut through the distractions of life and reveal the true condition of our hearts. Some have said, "We don't so much read the Bible, as it reads us."
In a world filled with noise and chaos, the Word of God serves as a guide, illuminating our paths and providing wisdom when we need it most. (Cue in our minds, Amy Grant;s "Thy Word.") Its sharpness isn’t meant to harm but to heal, to refine our character, and to draw us closer to God. When we allow it to judge our thoughts and attitudes, we open ourselves to transformation and renewal.
Moreover, verse 13 reminds us that nothing is hidden from God. This truth can be daunting yet comforting. God sees us as we truly are, and despite our flaws, His love for us is unwavering. Knowing this, we can approach Him with confidence, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking His grace.
PRAYER: Awesome God, thank You for Your living Word, which reveals our hearts and guides our steps. Help us to embrace its truths, allowing it to shape us into the people You’ve called us to be. Grant us the courage to come before You with honesty and humility, trusting in Your grace and mercy. May we find strength and comfort in Your presence, knowing that we are fully known and deeply loved. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Why not set aside time each day to read and meditate on a passage from the Bible. Allow God’s Word to penetrate your heart, and reflect on how it calls you to live differently.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
