The word of God is living and effective,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
penetrating even between soul and spirit,
joints and marrow,
and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
The Bible is the Word of God, but the Bible does not contain the Word." No book, person, or church can contain (or limit) God or his Word. Rather, we hope and pray that we are contained by God's word.
And so we approach the Scriptures after asking the Lord to speak to us communally, as Church; and personally, as individuals. I must bring my whole self to the Lord and be at his disposal if I would hear what he will say to me. And I must recognize that...
...the word of God is living and effective,sharper than any two-edged sword,penetrating even between soul and spirit,joints and marrow,and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
Half-measures won't do. I cannot bring certain provisos before the Lord and expect to hear or be heard. But I should expect that two-edged sword to touch on some of those topics I'd rather not discuss or recognize. It may discover them, and then cut the sinews and ligaments that bind me. If I think, "I cannot live without this!" I may discover as it penetrates joints and marrow, an unexpected choice: I will either die to it or for it. And I will ask myself, "Is my life worth this attachment?"
This years theme for the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity recalls the Lord's challenge of Martha, "Do you believe this?" Upon his late arrival after Lazarus had died, and after Jesus said, "He will rise again:"
Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.”Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Apparently Jesus, the Word made Flesh, was not satisfied with her vague response about "the last day." Perhaps she an additional thought within her own mind, which also appeared on her face, "...if it ever comes."
Many people say they believe in God, salvation, eternal life, et cetera; but their behavior, words, and attitudes do not reflect these stated beliefs. The two-edged sword separates facts from fable in their minds, and exposes treason in their hearts. Count on it.
Perhaps we bring the same pusillanimous attitude to Christian Unity. "...as if it might ever happen." As this week of prayer begins we do well to begin with thoughts, words, and deeds of gratitude for the Word we share with a billion other people. Not everyone who claims the title of Christian knows him, but he knows us. And he will bring us together, so that there will be one flock and one shepherd.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.