“For the Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

The Word of God is Sharp (Greek: Tomoteros, from Temno, to cut, more keen). The implication is that the Word of God makes a clean cut because it is very keen to matters of the heart. To be keen is to be: sharp, penetrating, discerning, sensitive, perceptive, piercing, clear, observant, powerful.

How interesting and fascinating that the writer of the Epistle inserts these words in describing the Word of God: powerful, sharper, piercing, discerner of the heart. Yes, indeed, the Word of God is very sharp and is keen to make the exacting cut in the circumcision of our hearts.

The Apostle tells us regarding this cutting of the heart, in the spirit of it, that this is the true sign of being of the faith of Abraham, the Father of Faith. “He is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:29).

The Word of God is Sharp, keen to discern the heart: it’s very thoughts and intentions. The hidden, secret things of thoughts. The hidden, secret things of intentions. No room for duplicity here. All is exposed; all is laid bare. We have been found out by the Word of God. Yes, sharp, indeed. Very keen.

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).

Repentance is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Yes, and the Word of God brings us there. LORD, we repent. LORD have mercy, LORD forgive, LORD be gracious to us and let your face shine upon us. LORD, lift up the light of your countenance upon us and give us your peace. (cf. Numbers 6:25-26).

LORD, you are so faithful to fulfill all your Word spoken by the prophets and apostles in their day. Even Moses, great prophet of God foresaw the glory of grace, as he wrote: “And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul that thou mayest live” (Deuteronomy 30:6).

Thank you, LORD, for Your Word. Very sharp, very keen. Oh, how we love you for it, and by it we shall live.