I'm among the many millions who watched Star Wars when it came out in 1977. Although I'm not a fanatic fan, I was always intrigued with the lightsaber—the sword made of light—used by Luke Skywalker and others.
The first laser was developed in the mid-1950's, and medical applications of the laser developed for surgery began in the mid-1960's. It's been refined for delicate and difficult surgeries since then.
The medical use of lasers is almost like tiny lightsabers. This illustrates a spiritual truth, as well as one known in physics—the penetrating power of light.
Scripture
God’s word is living and active. It is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet.
God’s word judges a person’s thoughts and intentions.
No creature can hide from God. Everything is uncovered and exposed for him to see. We must answer to him.
(Hebrews 4:12-13 GW) [Context– Hebrews 4]
Key phrase— God’s word judges a person’s thoughts and intentions
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
What are four specific things we are told about God's Word in this text?
How do you think it can be "living and active... sharper than any two-edged sword"?
In what way do you think God's Word judges the thoughts and feelings of the heart?
How does what we're told about God's Word help us understand, "Everything is uncovered and exposed..." to God?
Reflection...
Light pierces through darkness, but darkness is defused and dissipated by light. The apostle John declares Jesus as light personified (John 1:5, 8:12; 1 John 1:5).
John also tells us Jesus is the Word made human (John 1:1, 14). He reminds us that God's Word isn't abstract theological words, but living and personal.
God's Word is also spiritual in nature. Therefore, it can penetrate deep within us, beyond our conscious mind. This is called discernment. The Holy Spirit brings the truth of God's Word to life in a way that reveals what is in our inner heart, as well as our motives.
What we can hide from others is never hidden from God. His truth pierces our usual self-defense mechanisms to remind us how everything is open to God.
Make it personal...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
Have you experienced the penetrating, piercing work of God's truth in your life?
Is it comforting or unsettling for you to know that nothing—in our heart and minds—is hidden from God? Why or why not?
Can you see how God's Word is "sharper than" any physical sword?
What are some of the ways God has revealed your truest inner thoughts and intentions?
Here's a free introduction for the book of Hebrews— Intro to studying Hebrews