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.” vs. 12

There are times in our reading of scripture or in listening to a sermon, that some word or phrase absolutely nails the truth of who we are. We are pierced to the core and feel the righteous judgment of God in our hearts. It’s as though our secret thoughts and desires have been exposed and we can actually feel the shame wash over us. Of course we don’t reveal to others what we’re feeling–that would be embarrassing–it’s enough that God knows. For some that’s an awful feeling, one that leaves them filled with shame and remorse–they may even begin to doubt that  wretches such as they can have salvation. Purity has escaped them and they feel dirty. Now, if that’s where our thinking leaves us, we are to be pitied, because our story doesn’t end there. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that in Jesus we have a great high priest who understands us on the inside, and that he sits on a throne of grace. And even if that terminology doesn’t speak to us, we can easily get the point. It doesn’t matter what secret sin lurks in the depths of our soul, all that garbage is nothing when compared to the love of God that has been made known in Jesus. All of us have been cleansed, set free, and forgiven.

Thought for the Day: When have I been nailed by a sermon?