LEARNING DAILY

Hebrews 4:12, 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.

In the message of the two walking the road to Emmaus Jesus walked with them, breaking down Scriptures to show them that He was the One the Old Testament spoke about. When Jesus broke the bread, He revealed Himself to them; then He vanished. Read what they said in Luke 24: 32, “They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" Their hearts were opened as well. “This was not emotionalism” (EN).  This is what happens when Believers read/study/meditate on the Word of God with the intention of seeking the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Pastor Ed Newton said in his message, “Jesus not only opened the two disciple’s ears and eyes, He opened their hearts to Him. They had walked seven miles with Him; they had failed to recognize Him. But after Jesus had left, they said their hearts had burned within them when He opened up the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:32). “This was not emotionalism. This was the Holy Spirit of God speaking to them” (EN).

The Holy Spirit speaks today to those who read God’s Written Word. The Scriptures are not just words written on a page in a book; they are living and active. When the writer of Hebrews writes about a sword and its ability to cut and divide, he is writing that the Word of God as a realistic explanation of how completely it can separate and distinguish between the godly and the ungodly, to separate one’s thoughts and actions into good and evil. God’s written word provides everything the Believer needs to know the difference between selfless, godly deeds and actions from selfish, ungodly ones. Jesus constantly condemned the religious leaders for their outward appearance of pious behavior. They did what they did to be seen by others and receive their applause and pats on the back for their good deeds. Those reading God’s Word must be careful to walk the narrow way in obedience and the desire to be in God’s will.

The Written Word of God will penetrate into the deepest part of your being, revealing your thoughts, desires, and intentions. It does this to guide and change you into one who thinks, speaks, and acts like Jesus Christ. Reading/studying/meditating on it challenges the reader to view God’s Word as more than a collection of stories but as something that can impact your life. I encourage you to pick up the Word of God with reverence and expectation, knowing that it can bring change and growth in your life and help you walk the narrow way in faith and obedience.