The Nature and Power of God's Word

"People can't see your root system, but God can. Praying and meditating on the Word of God will cause your roots to go down deep into His love."  - Warren W. Wiersbe, American Christian clergyman, and Bible teacher (1929-2019)

I've got a question for you. "What is the most influential or transformational book you've ever read? How did it change your life?" Naturally, there are many books to choose from, both past and present. If you're open to a suggestion, may I suggest the Book of Hebrews in the Bible? 

This book is a compelling, extended discourse written to persuade a group of struggling, persecuted Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and not return to Old Covenant (the legal and religious pact God made with the Israelites through Moses, which specified laws, sacrifices, and a priesthood) practices.

Its central message is the supreme authority and sufficiency of Jesus over all things in the Jewish tradition, presenting Him as the final and complete revelation of God. While it has been traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, there is no conclusive evidence for this.

The principal points presented in Hebrews are:

• Jesus holds preeminence over angels and prophets. 
• Jesus is the mediator of a superior covenant (the new covenant of grace), whereas Moses mediated the old covenant (the Law).
• Jesus  is the High Priest who offered himself once for all.
• Jesus inaugurated the new and everlasting covenant.
• The Book of Hebrews encourages believers to stand firm and not drift away from Christ amid trials.

Touching on where we started, I'd like to focus on a specific part of the Book of Hebrews, that is Hebrews 4:12-13. Between Hebrews 3:7-4:11, readers are warned about the dangers of unbelief and disobedience.

There we are given the example of the Israelites who failed to enter God's promised "rest" due to their hardened hearts. Hebrews 4: vv.12–13 acts as a completion of this warning and reminds the listeners that God is serious about their spiritual condition and that His Word is a force they cannot ignore.

Let's home in on these two strong verses. Verse 12 addresses the enduring and transformative authority of God's commands. Using vivid word imagery, it tells us that God's Word is full of life and purpose. Its penetrating power reaches deep down into our being, exposing our heartfelt desires.

Verse 13 discusses the all-knowing nature of God. Nothing is hidden from God, we are "uncovered and laid bare" before Him, and that we will be held accountable to Him. Therefore, Hebrews 4:12-13 makes known the penetrating, omniscience of God's Word and His ultimate authority as judge of all human drive and behavior.

In closing, I'd like to provide some guiding questions regarding our discussion.

• In what ways have you experienced God's Word being "living and active" in your life?
• Does the thought of God's Word "penetrating" your inner being bring comfort or exposure? Why?
• How has the Bible revealed your own "thoughts and attitudes of the heart," maybe even exposing hidden motives?
• Being tasked to "make every effort to enter that rest" (v. 11), what practical step will you take to intentionally hear and obey God's Word this week?

Scripture: John 6:63; Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13:17; James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23

Prayer: "Holy Father, I thank You that Your Word is a source of strength and protection. I am safe and secure in Your promises, and I trust in the power of Your Word to protect me. Amen."

May God bless you always,

Liana