Confronted by the Living Word

“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.” — Hebrews 4:12

Let’s be honest—many people don’t want to read the Bible, and it’s not because they don’t have time or can’t understand it. It’s because they know what it will do.

Hebrews 4:12 doesn’t describe a quiet, comforting book. It describes a living, active weapon—one that pierces. One that divides. One that judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. That’s why people avoid it. Not because it’s boring or irrelevant, but because it cuts too deep.

The Bible Isn't a Book—It's a Mirror with a Sword
We live in a world that runs from conviction. The culture says, “Live your truth,” but the Word says, “Here is the truth.” When you open the Bible, you’re not reading it—it’s reading you. It exposes sin. It uncovers pride. It shines light into the darkest corners of the soul that we’d rather keep hidden.

No one enjoys having their motives laid bare. No one likes being told that they’re wrong. But that’s exactly what the Word of God does. It doesn’t flatter. It doesn’t entertain. It confronts—and in that confrontation, there’s either repentance or rebellion.

People Don’t Want to Change
Most people don’t want to read the Bible because they don’t want to be changed. They want inspiration, not transformation. They want a motivational quote, not a spiritual autopsy. But Hebrews 4:12 says the Bible doesn’t just give us good advice—it discerns the heart.

When the Word cuts, it also reveals. That’s terrifying for someone who’s built their identity around sin, comfort, or cultural acceptance. The Bible doesn’t let you stay the same—it demands a response. And for some, that demand is too high.

It’s Easier to Numb Than to Kneel
Scrolling through social media, binge-watching Netflix, diving into work—these are all distractions we run to so we don’t have to face what God’s Word reveals. Why? Because facing the truth means we have to do something about it. We’d rather numb our conscience than kneel in surrender.

But here’s the irony: the very thing we run from is the only thing that can heal us. Yes, the Word of God cuts—but it only cuts to heal. Like a skilled surgeon, God uses His Word to remove the cancer of sin and restore what’s been broken. He wounds to bind up. He convicts to redeem.

If you’ve been avoiding the Bible, ask yourself why. Is it busyness—or is it fear of what it might reveal? Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word doesn’t play games. It exposes, divides, and judges—but only because it is alive and full of power.

So don’t fear the cut. Embrace it. Let the Word do its work. Because on the other side of conviction is freedom. On the other side of exposure is healing. On the other side of surrender is life.

Today, instead of avoiding the Bible, open it. Let it speak. Let it cut. Let it change you. God’s not trying to shame you—He’s trying to save you. And the scalpel of His Word is the start of something new.

Don’t run. Read. Don’t resist. Repent. That’s where revival begins.

In love,

Pastor Jody