The Word of God – Sharper than Any Two Edged Sword

Last night as I was studying Ecclesiastics, the Lord told me “Read like you’re the only one on Earth”…  I felt a sense of shame come over me in realizing that I often make decisions in my mind about which verses are about me and which ones are describing others.

Then today, I was reminded that the Word of God is sharper than any two-edge sword.  I did some quick research on a two-edged sword and read many opinions on the meaning of this passage in Hebrews, but none of them are lining up to what I feel the Lord is showing me and convicting in me.  There are also references in the bible that warn us “those who kill with the sword will be killed by the sword.”  I’m seeing reference to the two kingdoms (the outward and inward) in alignment with the two edges of this sword – also with two uses.  And the Lord is showing me that one use is what’s referenced in Hebrews 4:12…

For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

This is also in alignment with the work of God in circumcising – one is outwardly (the flesh and the law) and one is inwardly (the circumcision of the heart) – See Romans 2:25.

The outward circumcision requires living by the law – which we know has never been achieved by any man, except Jesus Christ.  The inward circumcision is a work OF GOD (not us), in the Word of God written on our hearts, meaning Jesus Christ planting the seed of HIM inside of us and only God can give the increase.

If I can try to explain this the best I can, God is showing me that the Word of God serves two purposes in us – to condemn others and to convict ourselves.  So, in essence, I believe the reason the Lord told me to read the Word of God as if I was the only on the earth, is because in allowing myself to know His word, as a tool to judge someone else, I’m killing with the sword – I’m condemning others by the law – using The Word of God to point fingers at my brothers and sisters.  But if I read the Word of God as if every single word was written directly at me, well then conviction pierces even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, circumcising my heart (showing me myself and my pride and my carnal minded foolishness waring against the Spirit of God), and revealing the true intents of my own heart… which leads to repentance, FEAR of THE LORD and humble desire to be possessed fully by His Son Jesus Christ, My Savior – the only one who can save me from ME.

Father help me to not use your Word to harm, judge or condemn others, but instead to eat your Word as the sword that will transform me into the new creature, circumcising my heart and leading me to repentance, in Fear of YOU always as I have FAITH in the good seed you sew in me and the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.