““For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even the to division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” In our last devotional we learned that the Word of God is living. We saw how God’s Word meets us where we are and this can be scary or encouraging depending upon our way of life. Today we will learn that the Word of God is also active. The NKJV translates this Greek word as powerful, thus the phrase ‘the word of God is living and powerful.’ The Greek word used here is ἐνεργὴς. We get our word our English word energy from another form of this word. In the New Testament this word is only used for special divine activity. Perhaps a better translation of this word is effective. If we translate this word as effective I believe we better understand what the original author intended. If God’s Word is living and effective, it means that that God’s Word always accomplishes what it is set out to do. This means that God does not lie! His Word is steadfast it does not change no matter the culture or time we find ourselves in. For the Jewish Christians to whom this letter was addressed this would be a scary reminder. The author has already reminded them that there is no other salvation except through Christ. Here are these supposed Christians about to attempt to find salvation through the Old Testament sacrificial system. Now they have to come face to face with the reality that God’s Word is effective to accomplish what it is set out to do. Here this word from God reminds them that only judgment awaits for all religions outside of Christianity based on the death and resurrection of Christ. What about you today? In what way do you need to be reminded that God’s Word is effective. Maybe you are living in sin and trying to justify it. God’s Word is effective to remind you that sin is sin because God says so. Maybe you are living in fear of the future. God’s Word is effective to remind you that God has your future in His hands. Maybe you are living in depression, God’s Word is effective to remind you that joy is found in His presence and He will never leave you even in your darkest moment! God’s Word is effective to accomplish all that God desires it to do! Trust the Word!
