Monday, June 25, 2012
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living 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.
GOD'S WORD AIMS AT THE HEART
(The Preaching of John the Baptist)
A good aim can be important. We pray, for example, that the computers and operators in charge of our missile defence system have a good aim in the event of an enemy nuclear strike. In pioneer days, if Pa didn't aim Ol' Betsy properly than Pa's family went without supper. In the Bible, if the LORD had not guided David's aim then Goliath would have made short work of the shepherd boy from Bethlehem.
Preaching is like that too. God sends his messengers out into the world with a mighty weapon, His Holy Word. The target they aim at is the human heart. God's will is that His Word penetrate deeply into the inner being of a man's soul. God, you see, is not interested in merely polishing up the outward life of sinners. He wants a person's heart. For that to happen, the heart must be struck with the full force of His Law and Gospel. The bullet of the Law is painful, as it rips open our hearts, exposing what we don't want to see: our sin it all its damning ugliness. The Gospel is a missile of love, bringing with it peace and forgiveness and LIFE!
This week in our devotions we focus on the work and ministry of John the Baptist. (The church has historically recognized June 24 as the nativity of John the Baptist.) We will join the Baptizer on the banks of the Jordan River as he takes careful aim with the mighty Word. Your heart and mine are the targets! Praise to the LORD for preachers like John who faithfully preach Law and Gospel! Praise to the Holy Spirit when the message hits home!
