“For the word of God is living 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.”
Hebrews 4:12-13
The other day my friend and I were discussing parts of scripture we liked best. She preferred reading the Psalms for her quiet times. She liked the poetry. The epistles were nice to read, but not the book of Romans so much: “That one’s too hard. And forget the book of Revelation!” I shared that I like the parts of the Bible that tell stories — like in Genesis, Exodus or the book of Ruth. And Luke or Mark were nice to read in one sitting.
Afterward, something about our discussion kept needling me. We had been judging the parts of God’s Word we liked, what spoke to us, what parts we were drawn to and what parts we avoided. We were picking it apart, missing the whole point of the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 reminds me that God’s Word judges us; we don’t judge it.
God’s Word in all its entirety forces us to understand things about ourselves which we would never grasp did we not spend time in all parts of the Bible. The Word of God scolds, comforts, assures and reveals life-changing truth. Are there parts of the Bible you pass over? Perhaps it’s those sections God wants to use to reveal things about you which are hidden or secret. There is not one place in scripture that lacks a voice. Whether it’s the book of Amos or 2 Chronicles, God has something to say to you.
Spirit of Christ, open my heart and mind today to parts of the Bible I’m not acquainted with. Tell me what I should hear. May all Your Word speak to all of me today.
