For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edge sword, piercing even to the division of would and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

The author of Hebrews is unknown. He/she is writing to Jewish Christians, with extensive reference to the Old Testament, to warn them not to revert to the Jewish religion to escape persecution. In our verses today the author is using figurative language to show God’s word will penetrate deeply to the core of our being. God is the authoritative judge of our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts – because God can see and know all, we have no hiding place and our sins are exposed to us. One day we will all stand before God to give an account of deeds done in the body.

God’s word is a living word because He is our living God. The “word” in the context of Hebrews probably refers to the truth of God in any form, spoken or written: It is the word from God about God and accomplishes what God intends it to do. The word of God speaks to current needs and situations of believers but some have hardened their hearts; dulled their hearing and their eyes will not see. Hebrews warns believers NOT to disregard/disobey the word which works powerfully in our hearts and imparts new life in faith to those spiritually dead. The author of Hebrews is warning Jewish Christians tempted to renounce Jesus for worldly comfort – DON’T DO IT.

God’s word searches us out. It is dynamic/active and relevant and achieves God’s purpose. There is no group plan of salvation; we must enter God’s word personally through faith in Christ and be obedient. We are to treasure God’s word; to avoid the wisdom of this world; to allow the word of God to change our heart and our life. We are to behave as we believe.