Hebrews 4:12-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 4:12-16 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Indeed, 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. Verse 13And 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. Verse 14Since, 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. Verse 15For 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. Verse 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Devotion
This summer my kids were fascinated by a video of a non-invasive surgical procedure, done completely by remote-controlled instruments guided by a miniscule internal video camera. We watched the surgeon deftly separate muscle from tissue, cleanly realign a tiny tear in some mysterious organ, and neatly tie teeny sutures to fix it, all the while leaving undisturbed, the healthy parts nearby. It was amazing how the doctor was able to identify the unseen problem and start the process towards healing.
This is, in a way, what God’s word does in us at times. It points straight to the cause of our brokenness, naming where we are most in need of repair. It pushes past our layers and defenses and speaks straight to our hearts. It shows us who and whose we are, and calls us to follow the One who can make us whole. Because simply identifying our wounds is not enough. They must be healed ... and that is what God’s Word does in us.
Prayer
Son of God, Word of Life, mend my wounds today. Bind up those places in me that are most broken. I trust that you alone can make me whole, and that you will always show me mercy. Amen.