Day 12 | Alive in the Word
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
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.
OBSERVATION
I love how the author of Hebrews describes the Word of God as “alive and active,” this reminds me of something I learned in Biology: A sign that an organism is alive is if it grows and develops over time. A sign that we are truly ALIVE in Christ is if we are growing and developing in our spirits. Breath is also a sign of life and 2 Timothy 3:16 says that “All scripture is breathed out by God.” Scripture keeps us alive and strong in Christ.
This passage also points us to the fact that scripture is meant to change us. We can read the Bible all we want and gain as much knowledge as we can, but if we are not changing, if we are not being molded to look more like Jesus, then maybe we aren’t alive in Christ. Scripture is meant to transform us into our potential as believers.
The Word of God is also described as being sharp in this passage. Sometimes, reading scripture hurts. It convicts us and reminds us of our shortcomings. It exposes our deep thoughts and attitudes, challenging us in big ways. Scripture reading is meant to change us from the inside out. It’s meant to cut away the dead things within us, creating space for new life to grow! The scriptures are an essential resource for believers. We need the scriptures to live and grow!
APPLICATION
When you read your Bible, ask yourself a few things. 1) How is God’s Word challenging me? 2) How has God’s Word already changed me?
Reflect on how the Bible has helped you grow and know that you are alive in Christ because of it!
PRAYER
Dear God, your breath is in my lungs. You have given me life and I know that by dedicating myself to reading your Word and believing that in it, I will have life and life more fully. Forgive me for times that I have read your Word and ignored its truth. Allow your scriptures to change me and to mold me to be more like Christ. Thank you for your Word that gives life.