Of Swords And Divides

I am a fan of the action-adventure and/or historic fiction genre of television. The tales of King Arthur and his legendary Excalibur, Maximus leading his band of gladiators, William Wallace with his striking war paint, and the fierce grace of tigers and dragons have always captivated my imagination. Audio-visual renditions of Tolkien's works are decidedly bingeworthy. A common theme in these genres is the use of blades, particularly swords, for warfare. In today's reflections, we will delve into another sword that is said to be greater than any other. Allons-y! (get it...Napoleon?)

The word of God is referred to, symbolically or explicitly, as a sword multiple times in the Bible. Paul explicitly says it in his letter to the Ephesians: "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (6:17)." The author of the book of Hebrews extends the metaphor. Hebrews 4:12 says "For the word of God is living and powerful/active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Not only is the word of God a sword, it is also sharp, active and living. This is awesome.... What does it mean?

I have listened to and read many teachings and sermons on this verse, and they are always uplifting and refreshing. Having said that, my mind got to thinking. Why did the author use those pairs of words, and repeat the pairing three times. In my elementary studies, we were taught that repetitions demand deeper focus. As such, deeper we shall go.

It is not common to have a repeating of pairs of words. It's usually a word or a phrase that is repeated. In the case of repeated pairs of words, the words in each pair emphasis contrasting ideas. In this case, my belief is that the contrasting ideas are already stated earlier in the verse: Living and Active/Powerful. Let us see if these words do elaborate the ideas, and if so, how.

Living - Who we are

The first grouping of words that I suggest elaborate the idea of Living are Soul, Marrow, and Thoughts.

It is said that a man is a spirit, having a soul, living in a body. Our soul carries our identity, emotions, intellect, will, mind. The soul is created by God and is eternal. We are nothing before God creates our soul, and true life is determined by where our soul resides in eternity.

Matthew 10:28 says "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell". Only God can create, give life to, and take away life from a soul. For as long as this earth exits, all human souls are alive either on earth, in heaven, or in hell.

Marrow produces the components that sustain our physical bodies - blood cells and platelets - which are essential for blood to function as the essence of physical life. Without marrow, our physical bodies would die. According to a doctor I know well, without marrow, you are not there.

Thoughts are mental processes or ideas that arise spontaneously or through deliberation in your mind. They can be random, structured, fleeting, or deeply analytical. Thoughts are evidence of, and the raw material of a living mind. Our thoughts show our relationship to God and to eternal life. We are called to be renewed by the transforming of our minds thus our thoughts. Paul urges us to think on all things excellent or praiseworthy. Our thoughts indicate whether we are spiritually alive or dead.

These three relate to life and to who we are. While we have some say in what happens to them, much of the control and influence lies elsewhere. Our role is to align these three with the correct master.

Active/Powerful - What we do

The second grouping of words that I suggest elaborate on the idea of Active/Powerful are Spirit, Joints, and Intents.

Upon creating Adam, God breathed His spirit into him. All living humans have a spirit within them. After the fall of Adam, we are all born with a spirit that is separated from God, but with God's essence. The spirit encompasses our conscience, discernment between right and wrong, peace, and communion/fellowship with God. Our spirit guides the body and soul on how to live in this world. In essence, our spirit causes us to act.

While we have mentioned God-related aspect, it is critical to know that there are many other spirits in this world that are contrary to God. This is evidenced simply by the evil that we see in our world. The spirit we have within us causes us to behave/act one way or another - good or evil. We can train our spirit according, or contrary to God's word. The nature of our spirit will determine how we act while alive, and the destiny of our souls after we die.

Joints are the points where two or more bones meet or connect. They allow for movement and provide structural support. Without joints, we would not be able to move irrespective of how alive we are. While marrow sustains life, joints enable interaction with the living.

Intents are deliberate mental states or decisions that are geared toward achieving a specific goal or performing an action. They are the actualization of our thoughts. They are filtered, focused, and actionable versions of thoughts directed toward achieving a purpose. Our thoughts are a manifestation of our spiritual standing, while out intents explain what we do.

The Divide

Now that we see the correlation between the words and the ideas, how does the word of God reach to the division of the two? Why does the word of God need to pierce to the division of the two? Aren't the two domains distinct and separate enough to no require a sharp device to get to the divide?

Our society and culture today has normalized and domesticated what is evil in God's sight, such as the occult. Magic, witchcraft, divination, astrology, mediums, and communication with spirits are generally acceptable practices today, even for youth. The phrase "sold my soul to the devil" is a well known, almost acceptable practice in some sectors of industry like entertainment and commerce. Even in Christian circles, there are occultic practices done in well established churches. Have you ever heard of grave soaking?

Humanity is getting increasingly absorbed in evil spiritual practices and has found ways of framing them as Godly. Many "Christians" believe their souls are secure with Christ, but are really under the deceit and control of evil spirits. Let us not forget that the devil not only came to steal and kill, but also to deceive.

Beyond the occult world, there has been an increase in the practice of defining who we are based on what we do or intend to do. The deceit of the evil spirits mentioned above leads to immoral thoughts. Rather than thinking and meditating on excellent and praiseworthy things, our minds are staid on evil. Lust, greed, deceit, anger, malice and many such vices inhabit our thoughts and desires. James 1:14-15 says "But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Over time, our evil thoughts mature and cause our intents to be evil too. The increase in immoral practices in our society is clear evidence of this. More alarmingly, the deceit of the devil has caused us to believe that these immoral acts are natural and moral. We equate our lives to joints, rather than marrow. This is evidenced, for instance, by the statements made in support/defense of the rainbow group. We so desire to be embraced by society, that we act and influence others to act in a manner that aligns with said society. We declare that we are that which we do.

This decay in morals and practices has reached the point where we not only change the definition of who we are, we now try to change who we are physically. Surgeries and medication are used in an attempt to change how God created humans - Male and Female. We have changed what we do so much that we now have to change who we are so that they realign. The surgeries change the physical body - joints. Medications attempt to change our "marrow" to align with our immoral spirit and mind. Indeed, it is growing increasingly difficult to tell the difference between what we do and who we are.

The only certain way to tell the difference is by going back to the original blue prints, the creator of all, the Truth.

The Word

When lines are this blurred, decisiveness and sharpness are needed to find and cut through the true divide. These are only found at the entrance of the Word of God. The author of Hebrews says that the Word of God is "sharper than any two-edged sword". Some may say that he doesn't say that the Word of God is a sword. This is made clear in other verses in the bible:

Ephesians 6:17: "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Revelations 1:16: "He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength."

Revelation 2:16: "Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

Psalm 149:6: "May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands."

While the Bible is widely known as the Word of God, Jesus Christ is also described as the Word of God. This can be discussed at another time, but for today, this is what John 1:1-2, 14 says: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Here we see that Jesus is not only God and the Word, He is also the source of life and light.

It is important to note that a sword can be used to save or to kill. Jesus' ultimate goal is to be the light that saves and overcomes darkness/evil. Let us see how Jesus/Word is the way, the truth, and the life even in His role as a sword to either save or kill.

• Light (Way)

In any battle of swords, light is critical. Swordsmen require light to see their opponents. Jesus declared that His is the way, and it is noted that the word is a light to the path that leads to righteousness, holiness and eternal life. Below are some verses that illustrate the Word as a light.

John 1:4-5: "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Psalm 119:130: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."

Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

John 8:12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Proverbs 6:23: "For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life."

• Knowledge (Truth)

The swordsman requires to know how to wield his sword and the art of combat. Knowledge and wisdom are critical for combat. The Word of God is the source of all Godly knowledge. It is the Truth, and it will set us free.

Proverbs 2:6: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Romans 15:4: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."

Colossians 2:3: "In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

John 17:17: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."

• Spirit (Life)

All swordsmen fight for a cause and conviction. Their commitment to their cause goes a significant way in determining the outcome of their fight. In this aspect, the Word of God can bring either life or death. The swordsman can use the same sword to overcome his opponent, or he could be overcome by the sword. The Word of God brings life when accepted and followed fully, but brings judgement and death when shunned.

1 Thessalonians 5:23: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

John 6:63: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."

Deuteronomy 8:3: "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

Proverbs 4:20-22: "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body."

Psalm 119:93: "I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life."

Philippians 2:16: "Hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain."

Matthew 4:4: "Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

John 12:48: "There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day."

Revelation 19:15: "Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty."

Isaiah 11:4: "But with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked."

Matthew 7:24-27: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ... But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand."

Finally

Like a coin, mankind has two sides; 'Who we are' and 'What we do', 'Spiritual' and 'Physical', 'Alive' and 'Dead'. The devil has been at work blurring the lines and deceiving us as to the division of these two dimensions with the goal of keeping us away from God. As humans, we are unable to know what is right or wrong. However, by the Grace of God through Faith, we have been given a sword to fight against the devil - the Word of God. While the war has already been won, we have to fight the battles wielding this mighty sword. Much like my favorite characters, may we be found to be experts handlers of the instruments of battle.

My prayer is that we will COMMIT ourselves to this battle, we will MASTER our battle sword - the Word of God - and FIGHT the good fight.

Be blessed!