[The Shepherd’s Echo is a previously published TheShepherdsPen]
As I near the beginning of my fifth year of TheShepherdsPen (TheShepherdsPen.com), I have added a new category; it is that of Machaira. In the Greek, a Machaira is a sword, a dagger-like sword used in close-quarters combat. It is referenced in the Book of Ephesians, in the passage regarding spiritual warfare: “… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
The intent of this category on TheShepherdsPen is to focus on particular key verses, for doctrinal understanding, and for those who desire, memorization… yes! Memorization.
Our goal is not only to read Scripture but to understand it, and as David writes, that we would inscribe it upon the tablets of our hearts:
“Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
The first verse, then (ta da) is appropriately Hebrews 4:12:
“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.”
As Evangelicals, we hold the written word of God as divinely inspired for our benefit. As this verse instructs us, the words are not mere print upon the page, but “living, active, and sharp,” able to perform great surgery upon the broken soul of man. The Bible can navigate deep into the spirit of man and clear away, or excise any dross which does not reveal Christ in us.
It is going to hurt a bit, but it is for the greater good in our walk with Christ. And so, we place ourselves under the divine scalpel, that the Lord may conform us to the image of Christ.
For the next several weeks we shall focus upon some fundamental biblical passages that will help us better understand God’s plan, and prepare us to be a little better equipped for the journey ahead.
Blessings!
A Special Note:
Hello, I want to thank you for your interest and support of TheShepherdsPen. In light of today’s political climate, and unstable social media, may I ask you to consider subscribing (click here to go to the subscribing page) to TheShepherdsPen.Com to ensure we don’t lose touch? In doing so, normally, you could expect two emails a week from me, one on Saturday, and an “Echo” on Wednesday. I know you have all kinds of things flooding your email boxes, and your time is valuable, so I do thank you for walking a portion of the journey together.
Thanks, Kelly
