The necessary spark

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Hebrews 4:1-13

TO CHEW ON: “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2

One of the most well-known verses about God’s Word comes in this passage. You’ve probably memorized it: “For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Keeping in mind the power of God's word this verse describes, it's interesting that, 10 verses earlier, the writer says, “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them…” Such ‘living, powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing’ words not profitable? Why?

Here's why: “…not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” – Hebrews 4:2

The match that sets God’s Word ablaze, the spark that ignites its explosive charge is faith. Faith in what? It seems to me that in order for God’s Word to come alive to us, we must have faith in three areas:

1. Faith that we even need a Savior. This kind of faith means believing words that tell us we’re lost sheep. and that our best efforts to impress God aren't good enough.

2. Faith that accepts Jesus’ death as more than fire insurance, but also makes Him Lord of our lives – our Shepherd, the One we follow.

3. Faith that the upside-down life of the Kingdom of God – of which the Bible is the roadmap – is the true reality.

If the Bible seems dead, impractical, closed, irrelevant, boring, mysterious, senseless or any number of other things to us, we need to take a look at our ignition system – the state of our faith. Personally, the fact that I need a Savior is settled for me. It’s with Jesus’ lordship and living the Kingdom of God life that my faith often needs shoring up.

How can I increase my faith?
- I can ask for it. 
- I can keep immersing myself in God’s Word to increase it (and how’s that for coming full-circle?).

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for Your amazing Word, the Bible, which is made alive to me by faith. Please increase my faith for making You Lord of my life and for living by the uncommon-sense principles of Your kingdom. Amen.


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