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.
The Constitution of the United States is referred to as a “living” document. According to one reference website, it is called this “because the architects of the document intended for it to be adapted by future generations. It is because it is adaptable, that amendments could be ratified, or added to it.” In other words, it is living because it is subject to change—change that is sometimes necessary because of changing times and circumstances.
The writer of Hebrews refers to the word of God as living and active. Yet the intention of the Hebrews writer is not to describe God’s word as something that is to be “adapted by future generations.” It is not a statement that allows us to amend and ratify scripture. On the contrary, the writer tells of the word of God as a “document” that speaks wisdom and truth to every generation. Whether ancient or modern, the word of God is power to save, and it is power to delve into the deepest recesses of the human heart. It is an allsufficient word, for only by it do we come into contact with the Father as the Son in the Spirit reveals him. Whether past, present, or far into the future, God’s word is relevant and authoritative for all of humanity.
We worship today the God who has given us this word. As we experience community with him today, may we all commit ourselves to living the life that he has ordained for us. May we all be people of God’s word.
–Ricky