by Prisca | 14 December 2021 08:46 pm12
The Bible teaches that the Word of God is like a double edged sword sharp on both sides, able to penetrate deeply (Hebrews 4:12, NIV). This metaphor reveals the power of God’s Word to discern and separate the soul and spirit, exposing the deepest intentions and thoughts of a person’s heart.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV):
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
To allow the Word of God the sword to enter your heart means to permit God’s truth to cut through your innermost being, separating your spirit (the part connected to God) from your soul (your mind, will, and emotions). When this happens, you no longer live according to your natural desires or the self centered soul but by the Spirit who enables you to do God’s will (Romans 8:5-6).
A person who denies their own soul and submits to God’s will has experienced this inward surgery. The sword has passed through, purifying, dividing, and aligning their life with God’s purposes. This spiritual transformation cannot happen without the Word penetrating deep within.
The Bible identifies Jesus Christ as the Word of God made flesh (John 1:1,14). He is also the sword who divides spirit and soul in the believer’s heart.
Revelation 19:13-14 (NIV):
“He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.”
Christ’s coming into your heart is the ultimate fulfillment of this truth. When He enters, nothing is hidden from Him. He cleanses your thoughts and intentions, separating evil from good, and sets you free to live in obedience to the Father.
Many profess faith in Jesus outwardly through their business, family, or church attendance but lack a true heart transformation. The sword has not yet penetrated their heart. They may experience outward blessings or deliverance, but their soul still clings to worldly desires, anger, bitterness, or envy.
This is why the prophet Simeon foretold to Mary, Jesus’ mother, that a sword would pierce her soul as well:
Luke 2:34-35 (NIV):
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
The sword piercing Mary’s heart was both prophetic and literal pointing to the suffering Jesus would endure and the spiritual transformation Mary would need.
The call to follow Jesus is a call to allow this sword to enter your heart and divide soul from spirit. This leads to spiritual maturity, freedom, and the ability to do God’s will.
Matthew 10:34-39 (NIV):
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother…’ Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
This passage emphasizes the radical change and sometimes conflict that comes from truly receiving Christ. The sword is the dividing line between old attachments and new life in Him.
If you have not yet invited Jesus the Word made flesh into your heart, seek out a genuine servant of God who can guide you in receiving Him. This is not about religion but about a personal, life changing encounter where the sword of God’s Word transforms your heart.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/12/14/has-the-sword-penetrated-your-heart/
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