April 01, 2011

Under the Skin

Hebrews 4:1-13

The word of God is alive and active… It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.
Hebrews 4:12

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The words of the Bible are unlike any other words. They are God’s Word to us, and God’s Word is alive—much more than simply ink on a page. God’s Word is living because it has been God- breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).

Our verse for today states that the Word of God is not only alive; it is also active. God’s words have energy and power. They have the capacity to change and transform us. In Isaiah 55:11 God says, “My word … will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

God’s words are also penetrating. They get under our skin and address the deepest issues of our heart.

For most of this month, we’re going to ponder the words of God’s Son from the cross. Jesus spoke several times as he hung there offering his life for the world. Then in the final week of the month we’ll consider some of the words Jesus spoke after his resurrection. These words are alive. They’re powerful! They have the ability to cut through our defenses and speak to us at the center of who we are.

In fact, Jesus himself is God’s Word, in human flesh (see John 1:1, 14). And he said, “The words I have spoken to you— they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for the words of Jesus. Thank you for his words from the cross. As we study those words, shape us into the people you want us to be. Amen.

About the author — Shawn Brix

Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.

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