Division

In Hebrews 4 the writer is writing about "rest." He says, "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 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" (Heb 4:11-12). We're used to that "sword" talk when it comes to God's word. It is the only offensive weapon listed in the armor of God (Eph 6:14-17). There it says the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. So it's not surprising that the author of Hebrews would refer to the word of God as a sword, too.

Look at the other descriptives. Living, active, sharp, piercing, discerning. Not much like any sword we're familiar with. That makes the word of God unique. But, of course, in today's "progressive" Christianity that's just "misinformation" kind of talk. Nothing special here. Move along.

It's interesting that this sword is described as divisive. It's sharp enough, apparently, so it can divide between soul and spirit, between joints and marrow, between thoughts and intentions. That first one is difficult. We're not exactly sure of the divide between soul and spirit. Some tell us there is no divide -- soul and spirit are the same. But if the sword can divide them, there must be a division. One is the animal life, the other the spiritual life. One is the mind, the will, the emotions, and the other that ephemeral spiritual nature that connects us to God. They are as closely knit as joint and marrow, but not inseparable. Perhaps the most telling is that parallel, "discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Intentions; really? Are not thoughts and intentions equally difficult to divide as soul and spirit?

We can draw various conclusions, but let's just look at the obvious. The word of God is alive. It's not an old book, stale human thoughts, no longer significant, reliable, or authoritative. The word of God is alive. It is active. And it is sharp. You and I get our emotions mixed up with our spirits and we get our thoughts mixed up with our intentions and, to be honest, we can hardly pry them apart. God's word can. God's word brings about divisions that we need. We need to see a distinction between mind, will, and emotions versus the spiritual being that is us. We need to discern between thoughts and intent. And, frankly, we just don't do it well.

I know it's not in vogue. I know it's not cool. But God thought His word was important, sufficient, and effective (2 Tim 3:16-17). There are many and loud voices trying today to pry you away from that word. Some of them carry "Christian" clothes -- what Jesus termed wolves in sheep's clothing (Matt 7:15). They are not aware of the thoughts and intentions of their hearts. As for you, seek the rest that the word of God gives.