The Quickening...

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

Text: Hebrews 4:12-13 - "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

The writer of the book of Hebrews described the power of the Word of God as "quick" (alive) - able to bring life and light into the heart and soul of man. What's more, he did it in a manner so succinct and plain that it left no doubt that God's Word can and will accomplish whatever He purposes for it to do. (See Isaiah 55:11.) This power of the Word can take out a stony heart and replace it with a heart of flesh. (See Ezekiel 11:19-20.) It can turn a stubborn will into a broken and contrite spirit. (See Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15.) Such is the transforming power of the Word of God.

The 119th Psalm is a series of twenty-two segments, eight verses in length; each segment bearing a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. They all focus on the value of the Word of God; magnifying it, exalting it, giving it the recognition it deserves as the foundation for our faith.

Psalm 119 presents three ways "Thy Word hath quickened me." (See verse 50.)

1. "According to Thy Word..." (verses 25, 107, and 154)
2. "In Thy Way..." (verse 37)
3. "In Thy Righteousness..." (verse 40)

In addition, Psalm 119 divides God's Word into four categories; Statutes, (an established law, edict, or decree,) Precepts, (a rule or principle,) Judgments, (the ability to discern and draw sound conclusions,) and Commandments, (a Divine command or edict). These are administered "after Thy lovingkindness," (verses 88 and 159,) and, "according to Thy judgments," (verses 149 and 156). Thus, the Word teaches and instructs us. It is both lamp and light. It directs us and orders our steps. It brings help and hope. It gives food for thought, brings enlightenment, and bestows a blessing to all those who seek its wisdom. Those who have a good understanding of God's Word have also found joy and delight; a faithful counselor, and a constant guide. This Word is likened to bread, feeding and satisfying the hunger of the heart.

John 1:1 tells us this "Word" was "in the beginning," (He is Author and Finisher of our faith.) and goes on to say that this "Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..." (verse 14)

Although the Jews resisted and rejected His words, Jesus declared that He was (and is) the bread of Life (See John 6:30-35, 47-51, 53-58.) "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit,and they are Life." (John 6:63) What Jesus was giving was an Abiding Presence;

• one who would never leave or forsake, 
• one who would lead and guide,
• one who would teach,
• one who would bring all things to remembrance, 
• one who would comfort, 
• one who had been with - but now would be in,  
• one who would come in Jesus' Name, 
• one who was (and is) the Spirit of Truth, 
• one who would testify of Jesus, 
• one who would give such great joy that no one could take it away - ever,

No wonder this Word is quickening! It gives life more abundantly - not just in the here and now, but for all eternity. 

"Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes alway, even unto the end." (Psalm 119:111-112)