When we encounter in the New Testament its claims about
what the “Word of God” is capable of doing, we are stretched in our imagination
to comprehend those audacious claims. What really challenges my own
understanding is what the New Testament authors claim for Jesus as Logos, the Word. This especially comes
to the forefront of the discussion when considering the following text from
Hebrews:
12 For
the word of God is
alive 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. 13 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).
Four characteristics of this word
(logos) stand out.
·
The Word of God is alive.
·
The Word of God is active.
·
The Word of God penetrates.
·
The Word of God judges.
If indeed
some understanding of the word of God includes Jesus in the flesh, Jesus risen,
and Jesus seated at the right of God, then it would make sense for the Word of
God to be described this way!
The word of
God is living. He is living at this present moment, and gives life.
He is also active or “energetic.” This energy is the divine
force of God’s Spirit which animates the written word so that it reveals to
us the Word as the incarnation of God.
This same Word penetrates and judges. The Word has the power to penetrate the
inner being of the person. Consequently, thoughts and attitudes of the heart
cannot be hidden from God. The Word of God is able to see what the eye cannot
see, and hear what the ear cannot hear.
We praise
God that His Word is able to be alive and active, penetrating and judging. Living
the “uncovered and bare” life before God is the only way to a healthy
spirituality. This openness asks for and desires God’s probing word so that our
hearts can remain pure and undefiled before God. A clean heart is a precious
thing in God’s sight. The Word of God is so powerful that it can perform heart
surgery on me. If I allow God the freedom to do His work (He is the one to whom
we must give an account), then I can take advantage of the rest in Christ that
God provides, and the sympathizing ear of the Great High Priest, Jesus Himself.
As Christian
leaders it is imperative that we allow and permit the Word of God, Jesus the
Logos, to penetrate our souls and judge our motives. We have to realize that
nothing is hidden before God in our leadership role, and that it is God to whom
we must give account.
Through the
years I have been shocked and astounded by Christian leaders who act as if they
are accountable to no one. The use and abuse of power is justified because
certain “results” are desired. The competitive, capitalistic paradigm of the
marketplace where movers and shakers are idolized becomes the operative
paradigm for Christian leaders who act as if they are not “uncovered and naked”
before God.
The Word of
God is able, Jesus the Logos is able, God and the Spirit are able to shape me
into the Christian leader I need to be. We as Christian leaders have to model
for others the humility that comes from being exposed to the “living” and “energetic”
Word of God. Being sharper than any double-edge sword, this same Word
penetrates way down deep into my very soul and psyche, uncovering hidden
motives and selfish desires that have nothing to do with servant-leadership.
When will we
Christian leaders boldly stand before the penetrating Word? People are dying on
the vine, so to speak, for lack of Christian mentors who can model this in
humility. May we allow God’s word to shape us into the very image of Christ for
the sake of others!
In Christian love, Curtis
