¹² For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Memorization of Scripture usually includes this verse (also Psalm 119:9-11, 105, Ps. 1:1-6, 2 Tim 3:16-17) and rightly so. Incisive is not too strong a word to describe God’s written communication with us. While in the larger sense Jesus is the Word, the Logos of God (John 1:1), here the communication of the Word is in view. Yet, both are intricately intertwined. You have heard it said, “A man is as good as his word.” Jesus is as good as His word, because He is the Word.

This condensed statement of a concept (which could alone fill a encyclopedic sized dissertation) cuts to the heart of the effectiveness of the Word of God, because the Word cuts to the heart of the human image bearer of God.

It is living. The Word of God is not static, encased in dusty archives for an historic generation of people to whom that appeals, while being irrelevant for our modern times. No, it is alive, like a lion set loose. I remember the first time I read the Bible with an open heart—it was like the words were jumping out at me. It seemed like the voice of God speaking audible to my heart.

It is active. This term comes from the Greek word meaning, “to be effective in causing something to happen.” The Word of God accomplishes what He sends it out to do (Isaiah 55:11). Some people’s words are hollow, “I promise that it will all turn out OK.” But when God speaks, we can count on it happening. Romans 8:28, despite the cynicism that has fallen on this verse, still is the active Word of God, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

It is sharp, and it can pierce even the hardest heart. God’s Word has a way of cutting through the smokescreens of our lives, minds cluttered with cares of the world, fears, vices, and intellectualism, to the point that we can no longer think clearly or straight. Spiritual vision darkens. Hearts become calloused, tough as animal hide. The Word cuts through all that spiritual hardness, slicing its way to the core. All our defenses are penetrated and we are laid bare before Him. No façade, no self-lies of pseudo-righteousness can hide us.

The Word in God’s hands can separate out the confusion, the mix of soul and spirit, just like a skilled surgeon can dissect the human body. And in the end His Word judges us (John 12:48).