George. Our family’s Thanksgiving turkey. Named after the First POTUS, he was a phenomenal bird. With every touch of my sharpened carving blade, he began to lay himself bare. Moist and tender, his flesh fell away…nearly to the bone. If only I’d had a double-edged sword! I must admit I chuckled as this routine, holiday endeavor brought to mind a passage of Scripture: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”Hebrews 4:12-13.
Hmmm…such a powerful proclamation requires some rather serious contemplation. Does God’s Word do what Paul says it does? Yep. Having studied Scripture for most of my adult life, I can say with confidence that it does far more than prod the conscience. It candidly weighs the contents of what I think and feel. Carving through my life-toughened exterior into my inmost being, it reveals the secrets of my heart. Deceit cannot hide. Doubt cannot run. Fear has no way of escape. Indeed, I am laid naked before the eyes of the One who made me. Though I find myself vulnerable, and often pained at the revelation which comes, I am not afraid. Just filled with wonder and awe…amazed at the lengths God would go to in order to set me aright…to secure my footing and give me a firm place to stand. Who knew the butchering of a Thanksgiving bird could hold such a power of conviction? He did.
G r a z i n g U p w a r d 