Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading – Tuesday April 16, 2019

Theme: THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE

Text: “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.” – Hebrews 4:12.

Comment:  The word preached judges both the speaker and the listener. On the day of Pentecost when the apostles received the anointing of the holy spirit, so captivating and penetrating were the words they preached that the people were “pricked in their heart” and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?…” – Acts 2:37,38.

Also, when St. Paul appeared before Governor Felix and “reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:25) What happened was that St. Paul manifested the power of the anointing spirit by citing and explaining several Scriptural texts so effortlessly and convincingly that the words preached touched raw nerves in the governor and he was unable to bear the guilt feelings that had been evoked in him. Also, while before Governor Festus, the records say that at a stage the governor “said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.“ St. Paul quickly corrected that impression, telling him, “I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” – Acts 26:24-26.

Those whose actions are condemned by the word should not harden their hearts but should quickly amend their ways so that their conscience will be free while the word is being preached. – Psalm 95:7-11; Hebrews 10:22-25.

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