I like surgeons; really I do! I like that they
are knowledgeable about the human body. I like that they help
people. I like that they are able to go in and fix organs for
us. I like surgeons; really … I …do. At least I am
trying to convince myself that I do. Why do I need
convinced? Well it has nothing to do with who they are and
everything to do with who I am. I hate the idea of needing a
surgeon. To admit I need a surgeon means to admit that I am sick. Furthermore, to meet a surgeon means that I am not going to get better without
some risky, painful invasion into my body. Who wants
that?
Perhaps my thoughts on surgeons correlate to most people’s
thoughts about God’s Word. Often we struggle with spending much
concentrated time with God’s Word. A 10 minute devotional here, an
inspirational thought there, but concentrated and careful study, that’s
painful. It is painful because we admit our need. It is
painful because God’s Word is invasive.
Consider Hebrews 4:12 (NASB95) 12 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.
When you read this verse what you see is a spiritual
surgeon. The Bible is not just another book, it is a book that is
alive (living)! It is not merely alive; it is constantly active
(active). These qualities are a part of its supernatural
nature. God breathed out his Word in such a way that it carries on
the characteristics of a surgeon. Not a surgeon reading a medical
journal somewhere but one who is always in the operating room. The
Word of God never stops actively and energetically effecting lives.
Furthermore the Word of God carries a sharp knife with it
(sharper than any two-edged sword). Vincent says it this way,
“The word of God has an incisive and penetrating quality. It lays bare
self-delusions and moral sophistries.” It cuts right through all
the tissue of outward appearances and digs into the core of our being where the
real nature of our heart is found.
How adept is the Bible? It has the ability as
Wuest says “to sift out and analyze evidence.” What
evidence? The evidence found in what we think (thoughts) and why we
think it (intentions)? It can tell what our brain is hatching and
the danger that the plan conceived can bring. Then it can deal with
what it finds decisively.
Denial and fear may keep us from the surgical abilities of
God’s Word for our soul just like they do from physical surgeons. However, without the intervention of physical surgeons diseased bodies will
live hindered lives and die more quickly. Without the intervention of the Word
of God spiritual souls will never see life.
One of the ways TCBC is attempting to help us all be willing
to meet more regularly with our spiritual surgeon, God’s Word, is to step up
its biblical counseling. We have individuals getting certified
right now to help in this endeavor. Understand; Biblical
counseling puts its faith solely in the surgical ability of God’s Word to sift
and analyze the evidence of our hearts and then cut out what is destroying our
life spiritually, relationally and emotionally.
Regardless of how we look at it, surgeons are our friends
and are necessary. The pain they inflict begins the healing process
necessary for us. So too, God’s Word’s is essential. Do you
have areas in your soul that have long gone unaddressed? Are they
affecting not only your life, but the lives of others? Can I
encourage you to go to God’s Word and allow it to work in your
life? Are you depressed, fearful, anxious, lonely, overwhelmed, or
addicted? Is your home or employment life rocky? Can I encourage you to seek a biblical counselor to
help you in seeing God’s Word correct your life? You and I should
like this process, as painful as it is. Really, we should!
