There is an ancient legend that tells of a blacksmith who became famous for the magnificent swords he made. He claimed that they could cut a coat of armor in two with one sweep. A king heard the story and told him that if he couldn’t do it, he would be put to death. The blacksmith swung his sword round and put it back in its sheath. The king was about to challenge him when the blacksmith said, “shake yourself your majesty.” The king did and he fell in two.
Not sure of the legend but it’s a perfect illustration of the power of the Sword in God’s hand.
Heb 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. ESV
The word of God deals with sin in us, and while we may not be conscious that anything has happened, God suddenly brings about a crisis and we realize that something has been changed. No one is ever the same after listening to the Word of God. It is impossible to remain the same. We may think we haven’t paid any attention to it and yet some crisis arises and there it is … “Where did that Word come from?”
Years ago, a month ago, or a week ago that Word of God sank into our subconscious mind. God knew it was there but we didn’t and He suddenly brings it to light. The question at that moment is what will we do?
The Spirit brought this home to me by looking back over my life and the point of view I had on something in the past … something I felt very strong about. Then He brought that view up in the light of the Word of God challenging that opinion. What happened? What changed? I had to admit it wasn’t the result of study or anyone’s opinion. It just changed. Then He gave me a clue.
Isa 55:10-11 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heave and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. ESV
The Word of God is never without power and sooner or later the effect of that Word will become evident. It is up to us to acknowledge that fact when God reveals it to us. And for me, it always brings to light some point of view that was contrary to the Word of God … especially when that opinion involved sin.
Put another way, God uses His Word to correct us. The Spirit uses the circumstances in our life to reveal that Word. If we respond to His revelation and accept that Word, we take another step in deepening our relationship with Him … maturing in our spirit … becoming more like Jesus.
God is working in us all the time … discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart … sending His Word and accomplishing what He purposed in sending it. Don’t be like the king and disregard the reputation of the Sword … The end result was not what he expected.