Hebrews 4:12-16
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

"The gospel comes to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable". I don't know who originally said it....but I have heard it repeated regularly. The gospel comes to expose any ways we (like the man in this week's lesson) embody intentions that are not in line with what God knows is possible.

How true... I approach the Word of God in times of need...wondering about what I see in a particular situation...wondering how God is with me in it....wondering how to proceed...wondering what portion of the situation is my responsibility and what I can wisely let "go".

The Word of God draws me into authenticity...The Word of God meets me in the places not only in the places of heart and mind that I OFFER, but also in the regions of thought and feeling that God CLAIMS. Not only do I find comfort and nourishment that bathes me in refreshment and renewal where I am struggling...I also submit to God's work upon the intentions underlying my actions. These intentions may be the places where my thoughts and deeds of "less than" generous, compassionate, and unconditionally loving towards others.

How often do I "do" good with an underlying desire to magnify my own goodness? How do I utter kind words with an underlying desire to hear kind words that will satisfy my own pain? Are there times that my bravado is really an attempt to disguise tremors of fear or insecurity?

aaahhhh yes.... the two edged sword.... my sure defense.... even when I need to be defended from myself so that I may glorify God and serve others according to God's Will for All.