New and Improved

I wonder how long an advertisement can go on claiming, “new and improved.” New becomes old – eventually. The letter to the Hebrews was written a long, long time ago and yet it remains as fresh as the day it was written. It makes claims like, “living and active,” and, “sharper than any two-edged sword.” Claims that are as true today as they were then. It is the Word of God that is so described.

It is a dramatic claim, and terribly graphic too. But God’s Word does pierce us to the core with greater precision than Remington’s steel. And before such a tool of accuracy nothing can be hidden.

There was a time when, as a bachelor, a mess might be hidden, in a closet or behind a closed door. “Swept under a rug” serves as a useful image. But such strategies are temporary and leaves the host worried of being discovered, found out.

The threat of a two-edged sword that reveals the truth is initially unwelcomed. The Word of God rendering the hidden as revealed maybe a thought that is for many people unwelcomed as well. Because revealing is only part of the story, only part of the action and effect of the Word of God. Jesus the Christ is able to sympathize with our weakness. Not only that, Jesus calls to his throne of grace with boldness: and the ultimate promise is of grace and mercy.

So, don’t worry about what’s swept under the rug or hidden behind the closed doors of your heart. This revealing is not necessarily to anyone other than Jesus Christ. This revealing is truly a relieving. Once we are found out and realize that Jesus doesn’t care because he was tempted as we are, we no longer are captured by our hidden mess. We are set free, relieved of our burden and able to boldly accept the grace of Jesus Christ. Good News indeed!