The sword that pierces to the division of soul and spirit
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 (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
God’s word is described as a sword, which is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces, cuts across, and penetrates its target just as a physical sword does. The verse continues to describe how deep that sword can penetrate to the division of the soul and spirit. Imagine using a little knife to pierce through the white of peeled, boiled egg until it gets to the division of the white and yolk. That is a visual of what this verse is saying.
What is the meaning of the imagery of the Word of God as a sword piercing to this point of division? The answer is given to us in the context of Hebrews 4:12 and the word “discerning” used in the verse. It means God’s Word is able to impart understanding to know or discern the difference between soul and spirit. His Word brings wisdom, discernment and light to clarify questions as troubling as the difference between the soul and the spirit!
MEDITATE
How does God’s Word penetrate a person’s heart? Think of the analogy of a sword and compare it how God’s Word works. The Word you read above just penetrated your heart! How did that occur?
APPLY THE WORD
God’s Word is light. It enlightens any dark areas in our minds. You can feed on the Word and you discover you know things about your job more clearly. His Word is light. I know this from the scriptures and my experience. If the Word can clarify the difference between soul and spirit, it can help you know what to do in your home, marriage, finances, etc. Just feed on it( take it into your heart )as food! It will sometimes pierce your heart and reveal things in your motives, thoughts, and feelings that have been hidden and need to be brought to light for repentance!
PRAY
Ask the Lord for an abundance of light in your life as you feed on His Word.
Recommended reading
- Out Of The Abundance Of The Heart The Mouth Speaketh
- What Does It Mean To “Quench Not The Spirit”?
- The blessing of surrendering to Jesus
- Surrendering to God by love
- How to Yield to the Holy Spirit
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
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