I could see myself a few meters away from the axe bow of a ship. The grey hull was moving fast in normal seas. When the front edge of that cutting shape meets water, it is sliced. The force of the impact ejects spray up and slightly away from the hull, like the force of an axe on softer wood, which is where the ‘axe bow’ got its name. The scene was vivid and a picture of motion as the ship moved through the seas. Not many vessel hulls are made like this since hull design is specific to the purpose of the vessel, it’s size, and the typical seas where it is expected to operate. When called for, this kind of hull moving fast is a sight to behold as it moves forward.
The Spirit of the Living God is sharper than a double-sided sword — just like the axe bow cuts water as it moves forward. As Hebrews 4:12 explains, His power to discern and divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow are without equal. It is the last part, however, that is so penetrating as God succinctly states that His sharpness of discernment is able to clearly see, judge, and expose the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The idea of a weak God looking from afar off, who is relegated to a few gatherings of people inside buildings and unable to have impact on a person, people group, or nation, is often portrayed and too often practiced. However, it is not accurate. The wisdom of God stays hidden in many cases, but His work remains steadfast, powerful, and moving ahead — able to fully see and expose the intents and thoughts of leaders, workers, old people, or the young. In His mercy He moves in circumstances in a variety of ways to get our attention, so we are without excuse in the end — having either decided to follow Him, receive His forgiveness for sins through His Son Jesus Christ and move ahead, OR treat Him as nothing, ignore Him or His counsel, and live a life separated from His will.
The Gospels and many other books of the Bible are full of examples, but their purpose is singular: to give us a chance to reach out to Him and walk accordingly. I can testify, when I did this it was worth everything. What have you decided?
Hebrews 4:12 in the NKJV: 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.
