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. (Hebrews 4:12)
Some people think it was easier for Jesus. The sandal wearing, fish eating people he met were simple, and their world was void of the complicated issues and multi-layered philosophies that we have to deal with today. This is far from true. The Word made flesh came and lived among people who not only were entangled in difficult ethical and religious dilemmas, but whose minds had been confused by many philosophies. Let me mention a few:
- countless gods of nature often fused with the Greek deities were worshiped,
- belief in magic and astrology was widespread,
- on top of that there was a thick layer of philosophies that promoted the belief in impersonal forces, the ultimate power of knowledge for salvation.
The world was viewed as a place of chance without purpose or design. Gods were distant and uninterested in the affairs of humans.
Jesus came into this complicated and multi-layered world. His words pierced like a double edge sword. He talked with meaning and purpose of a world that can be changed through prayer. He cared for the body and the soul. He was the only way to the God who brought dignity and life in the midst of disillusionment and death. But sometimes we forget that. We think that our world is so much more complicated.
Jesus can change the darkest minds and cut through many layers of falsehood. No matter how complicated the place is where you work and minister remember he is above all powers and philosophies, and his sword is as sharp as ever. Use it.
Joanna has a passion for mentoring female leaders to become mentors for a new generation. She is a founding director of One Rock, a board member of Renovare UK, and an associate lecturer at Oasis College. In her spare time she loves taking photographs of nature, and playing with her cat Chester.