The Dividing Asunder of: Joints and Marrow

 

The Dividing Asunder of:

 Joints and Marrow

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; Heb. 4: 12. 

     God wants us to be directed by His spirit and His word, not by the flesh, which is fallen, nor even by the soul which is fallen ever since the colossal tragedy in the Garden of Eden.

    The writer of the Book of Hebrew is making a distinction between the joint and the marrow. The expression here is very poetical, and signifies the power of God’s word which can  penetrate to the inmost recesses of our spiritual being as a sword cuts through the joints and marrow of the body. 

Joints and marrow are both essential components of the human body, playing important roles in maintaining overall health and functionality. Joints are the connections between bones that allow for movement and flexibility, while marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside bones that produces blood cells and stores fat. While joints are crucial for physical activity and mobility, marrow is vital for the production of blood cells and immune function. Both joints and marrow are integral to the body's overall well-being and must be properly cared for to ensure optimal health.[i]

Marrow | definition of marrow by Medical dictionary

There are two types of marrow, red and yellow. The former produces the blood cells; the latter, which is mainly formed of fatty tissue, …[ii]

Strong's Greek: 719. ἁρμός (harmos) -- Joint, connection

In antiquity the joint was understood as the hidden place where bone meets bone, the very point at which motion becomes possible …[iii]

Strong's Greek: 3452. μυελός (muelos) -- Marrow - Bible Hub

Ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman writers viewed marrow as the seat of strength and, in some medical texts, the factory of

…[iv]

Joints and marrow are the deepest parts of our human anatomy/nature. They vary in structure and function, including hinge joints like the knee for bending and extending, and ball-and-socket joints like the shoulder for a wide range of movement. This distinction highlights the different roles they play in bodily functions and health.[v] 

This sword divides between the joints and the marrow, the most secret, close, and intimate parts of the body this sword can cut off the lusts of the flesh as well as the lusts of the mind, and make men willing to undergo the sharpest operation for the mortifying of sin; Matthew Henry

      We have an “inner” and an “outer” nature (Ref. Gen. 2: 7; Cori. 4:16). The inner man is described by both the terms the spirit (Ref. Acts. 7: 59; Jn. 4:23-24); and the soul (Ref. 1 Pet. 2:11; Heb. 6:19). Neuroscience speaks about the nervous system and skeletal homeostasis, and the brain’s influence to bring skeletal homeostasis of the inner man and outer man.

 The brain can influence skeletal homeostasis through modulation of the neuromolecules, extracellular vesicles, and brain-marrow neural circuit; conversely, the skeleton can influence the brain in its development, function, and pathology by physical exercise, massage therapy, and skeletal trauma.[vi]

The Word of God is marvelously revealing to the inner self. It pierces between the joints and marrow— and marrow is a thing not to be got at very readily. The Word of God gets at the very marrow of our manhood—it lays bare the secret thoughts of the soul; Spurgeon      

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth; 3 Jn.1: 2.

The emphasis here is on completely: “The adjective (holoeleis), occurring only here in the New Testament, is a compound of holos, ‘whole, entire,’ and telos, ‘end.’ Its basic connotation is ‘wholly attaining the end, reaching the intended goal,’ hence has the force of no part being left unreached.” (Hiebert) 

Behold this day the everlasting Gospel has Christ within it. He rides in it as in a chariot. He rides in it as, of old, Jehovah "did ride upon a cherub and did fly—yes, He did fly upon the wings of the wind." It is only because Jesus is not dead that the Word becomes living and effectual, "and sharper than any two-edged sword; Spurgeon.

 

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Jer. 23: 29. 

Fire itself must be applied by an agent in order to produce its effects; and surely the hammer cannot break the rock in pieces, unless wielded by an able workman. And it is God’s Spirit alone that can thus apply it; for we find it frequently read and frequently spoken, without producing any salutary effects.” (Clarke)

       What  the hammer cannot break, God’s word and His spirit has the power to break, and discern. Absolutely nothing can be “hidden” from God. The word of God discovers and exposes each of our condition, and even our brain-marrow neural circuit very precisely.

      God saves our body as much as our spirit and soul. The body has a definite and important role in the whole plan of salvation, to be resurrected into a new body. To us God’s word is His voice; His love letter, and we hear and listen with awe!

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth; Jn. 1: 14.

  “This sword divides between the joints and marrow, the most secret, close, and intimate parts of the body; this sword can cut off the lusts of the flesh as well as the lusts of the mind, and make men willing to undergo the sharpest operation for the mortifying of sin” Matthew Henry

      Joints and marrow are the intimate parts of our body, and God sees it, as it is precisely, than a human surgeon. God’s word reaches us with surprising precision by the power of the Holy Spirit. Empowering the ministry of the word to work deeply in our soul; piercing the dividing asunder between our joints and marrow.  

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Thess. 5: 23.

     When we allow our flesh or the world to direct our thoughts, intentions and actions, it ends in spiritual ruin. God sees each one of us the way He sees Adam and Eve in their feeble hiding, robed themselves with fig leaves. Fig leaf aprons does not help us on the day of reckoning!     

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[i] Joints vs. Marrow - What's the Difference? | This vs. That

[ii] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=joint+and+marrow+from

[iii] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+joint&

[iv] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=marrow+Greek+word&

[v] Marrow vs. Joint — What’s the Difference?

[vi] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S295034772500

 

 

 

 

Sinking Soul vs. Rhythm of Grace

 

Sinking Soul vs. Rhythm of Grace

       Soul is the centre of the human experience. This is where one thinks, feels, and makes decision. And it is also that part of one that screams the loudest!

      There is something inside of us, that no one can touch, something very sacred, and something very eternal. Deep down one can feel it, and we know it is there. In the quiet moments when the noise fades, and when the world is quiet, we can sense it. It is like a whisper, and one can feel that we are called for something greater.

      It is not just emotions, or thoughts, but is something deeper than that. It is more than pain, more than joy and it is the core of us. Is it the soul? OR Is it the spirit?  OR both of it? OR two different parts of who we are! Many of us, do not   even think much about this. But Bible does not speak casually about the soul and the spirit.

      The Bible talks much about the soul and the spirit. It gives much importance. This is because the difference is between knowing about God, versus knowing Him and walking with God. Knowing about God, versus Knowing Him and really walking with Him are two separate things!

      If any one of us should exalt ourselves thinking that we know about God’s word pretty well, should remind ourselves about the enemy of our souls. Satan, the deceiver, the manipulator knows the word of God, more than all of us. But, Jesus said, HE has no part with the enemy of the souls of humanity. He has bruised his head at the foot of the Cross. The foretold prophecy in the Old Testament fulfilled through Christ at the Cross.

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel; Gen. 3:15.

“The Lord God did not ask the serpent anything, for he knew that he was a liar, but he at once pronounced sentence upon him.” (Spurgeon)

 

 ‘Upon thy belly shalt thou go.’ If guilty man begins to plot for his own advantage, scheme for his own glory, and aim at perverting the truth, you will notice that he never takes a bold, open, manly stand, but he dodges, he conceals, he twists and shifts: ‘Upon thy belly shalt thou go.’ Sin is a mean and despicable thing. The greatest potentate of evil was here doomed to cringe and crawl, and his seed have never forgotten their father’s posture.” (Spurgeon)

 

And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image; and called his name Seth: Gen. 5: 3.

         Please note that Seth was born in the image and likeness of Adam and so is all of us; except Jesus Christ.

        Souls of humanity are very precious in the sight of God. Satan was, in his own thinking, majestic and triumphant over Jesus on the cross, but he failed. In attacking Jesus, Satan made his own doom certain. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, did that for you and for me to rescue us. Rescue our souls, from the bondage of sin and death. Marvelous Rescue plan of God our Father in heaven, through His obedient Son.  

Strong's Greek: 5590. ψυχή (psuché) -- Soul, life, self, inner being

5590 psyxḗ (from psyxō, "to breathe, blow" which is the root of the English words "psyche," "psychology") – soul (psyche); a person's …[i]

Strong's Hebrew: 5315. נָ֫פֶשׁ (nephesh) -- Soul, life, self, person ...

Strong's Hebrew: 5315. נָ֫פֶשׁ (nephesh) -- Soul, life, self, person, heart, creature, mind, living being.[ii]

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God; Psa. 42: 11.

       Psalmist, King David, had this important dialogue with his soul, once upon a time, and he wrote this when his soul was in turmoil, and troubled.  

“It is an important dialogue between the two aspects of the believer, who is at once a man of convictions and a creature of change.” (Kidner)

        The soul can feel crushed, overwhelmed, filled with joy, and fall into despair. The psalmist is making a reference to this; and he is speaking to himself. This is how personal and present our soul is. It has its own voice, turmoil, and own desires. It looks and feels like that God has allowed this to make us walk in darkness.  

 “This seems to be the hardest part of our lot, that God should lead us into darkness: ‘He hath led me, and brought me into darkness.’ Yet dear brethren, that is, on the other hand, the sweetest thing about our trial; because, if the darkness be in the place where God has led us, it is best for us to be in the dark.” (Spurgeon)

Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?  Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good? Lam. 3: 37-38.

      In life’s seasons of calamity, it becomes harder to remember that God is sovereign over all of our affairs when we are living in this part of eternity. When we begin to understand that God is sovereign, and He allows such difficulties, as well as joy, that should humble us; and gives us hope.

       When we complain about God’s sovereignty, that indeed becomes profitless. It is wiser and profitable that we remember the rhythm of His mercies and grace shown to us on Calvary. When we are alive, we should be grateful that we still have life,  and recognize that it is another opportunity to get closer to God while we are still breathing!

 “If he be tempted to murmur, let him remember that he is yet alive, and that is more than his part cometh to, since it is the Lord’s mercy that he is not consumed, and sent packing hence to hell. Life in any sense is a sweet mercy, even that which to the afflicted may seem a lifeless life.” (Trapp)

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt. 16:26.

       Jesus Himself had the opportunity to gain all the world by worshipping Satan; tempted and tried; (Ref. Lk.4: 5-8). He found life and victory in obedience to God’s will instead.  Giving our lives to Jesus all the way, and living in obedience to His word, does not take away life, it adds to it. This is finding abundant life in the narrow path, where the rhythm of grace flows.  

 

 “A mother listens for the breathing of her babe in the dark. It will tell her so much. The soft, measured breath, or the laboring, gasping breath. God never hides His ear from our breathing; or from those in- articulate cries, which express, as words could not do, the deep anguish and yearning of the heart. If you cannot speak, cry, sob, or groan, then be still. God can interpret all.” (Meyer)

           We realize from the words of Jesus, the price of a soul, is priceless and eternal. This soul carries part of our desires, and is the inner core; and part of us that carries our story. Our personality, our memories, our nature and our story are hidden within. It is that part of us that live for ever. Living depends on either in union with God or totally separated from Him.

         The truth of the matter is: Our soul as powerful as it is, it is never meant to be in control. That is the reason, many of us get stuck within ourselves. We feel, and think about these emotions of what we feel, and we make decisions based on fear. What we feel like pain or pride, we try to protect ourselves, with our capacity, trusting on our own understanding. But, the soul without the spirit is totally lost.

“As Satan keeps special watch here, so must we keep special watch as well. If the citadel is taken, the whole town must surrender. If the heart is captured, the whole man—affections, desires, motives, pursuits—will be handed over.” (Bridges)

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life; Jn. 6: 63.

The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly; Prov. 20: 27. 

       The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD: There are mysteries and truths of the inner man (the spirit of a man) that only the lamp of the LORD can expose. In this respect, we can think of God’s word as a lamp and a light. When our soul is lead by His Spirit, it is quickened, and we receive life in Him abundantly. This becomes the Rhythm of Grace flowing for our sinking souls; and becomes part of us, as we allow God’s spirit to lead our soul!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path; Psa. 119: 105.

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding; Job 32:8. 

“It is ‘the wellspring of life’ in that the capacity to live with joy and vigor ultimately comes from within and not from circumstances. The corrupt heart draws one down to the grave, but Wisdom protects the heart from that corruption.” (Garrett)

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Thess. 5: 23.

Refer for further details: 

Blog: Dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit)

(www.inerrantword.blogspot.com)

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[i] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=soul+in+Greek&cvid=9b

[ii] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=soul+in+Hebrew&cvid=c

The Dividing asunder of soul and spirit

 

The Dividing asunder of soul and spirit

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; Heb. 4: 12.

      Here the writer of the Book of Hebrew is making a distinction between the soul and the spirit. The form of expression used is poetical, and signifies that the word is powerful and penetrates to the inmost recesses of our spiritual being as a sword cuts through the joints and marrow of the body.

Soul is the intellectual property God has endowed to mankind. This consists of mind, will, intellect, emotions, volitions, and the choices one makes.

Spirit is given to man by God, when he is born. We have to remember that when God made Adam, from the dust of the earth, He breathed into His nostrils and he became alive. This is the breath of God, the spirit of God which God in his mercy parted to mankind, for him to be alive and active.

        Ref. Gen. 1: 26, man was made in the image of God. 

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; Gen. 1:26.

What they lost was huge: Knowledge of reality; valid ideas; self-perception, healthy attitudes, awareness of possibilities, accurate sense of values and much more were lost when they fell! 

However, since man has sinned, he is certainly not as fully like God as he was before. His moral purity has been lost and his sinful character certainly does not reflect God’s holiness. His intellect is corrupted by falsehood and misunderstanding; his speech no longer continually glorifies God; his relationships are often governed by selfishness rather than love, and so forth. Though man is still in the image of God, in every aspect of life some parts of that image have been distorted or lost.^[i]

“The New Testament use of pneuma for the human spirit focuses on the spiritual aspect of man, i.e. his life in relation to God, whereas psyche refers to man’s life irrespective of his spiritual experience, i.e. his life in relation to himself, his emotions and thought. There is a strong antithesis between the two in the theology of Paul.” (Guthrie)

      We have an “inner” and an “outer” nature (Ref. Gen. 2: 7; Cori. 4:16). The inner man is described by both the terms the spirit (Ref. Acts. 7: 59; Jn. 4:23-24); and the soul (Ref. 1 Pet. 2:11; Heb. 6:19).

       Here the word of God makes the distinction between the spirit and the soul: Spirit focuses more on the supernatural contact and power of the inner life. Soul focuses on the intellectual property endowed to man (mind; will; intellect; emotions; thoughts; volitions). This is exactly why the Word of God is so powerful and precise; it can pierce even to the division of soul and spirit, which is not easier.

      When we allow our flesh or the world to direct our thoughts, intentions and actions, it ends in spiritual ruin. God wants us to be directed by His spirit and His word, not by the flesh, which is fallen, nor even by the soul which is fallen ever since the Fall in the Garden of Eden.

 “While it has an edge like a sword, it has also a point like a rapier, ‘Piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit.’ The difficulty with some men’s hearts is to get at them. In fact, there is no spiritually penetrating the heart of any natural man except by this piercing instrument, the Word of God. But the rapier of revelation will go through anything.” (Spurgeon)

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth; 3 Jn.1: 2. 

Mind, will, Intellect. Emotions; Thoughts and Intent?

        Flesh and the World?

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Thess. 5: 23. 

       God sees us, naked and barren and this means; God sees each one of us the way He sees Adam and Eve in their feeble hiding, robed themselves with fig leaves. Fig leaf aprons does not help us on the day of reckoning!

       Absolutely nothing can be “hidden” from God. The word of God discovers and exposes each of our condition very precisely.

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[i]Wayne Grudem. Ibid., p. 444.  

The Lamp: Thy Word

 

The Lamp: Thy Word

        When believers face battle, when truth is taken away from wherever we are stationed in this temporary life, assailed with doubts and fear, and anxiety,  confronted with lies wherever we turn, where do we find our hope? Where is the comfort despite fears and distresses? Where is our light that we can walk and space where we can breathe? Where is our sure foundation to direct us despite our doubts and difficulties?

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path; Psa. 119: 105.

       Light in the darkness, symbolizes guidance, hope, the presence of God to our inner man. When our inner man is strong, it helps us to face the challenging times, and His light illuminates our path and gives us hope. When we give genuine attention, and value it, it does bring light to our darkness.

       God’s word is our light to guide us safely amid the dangers which beset our path through the darkness of this world. It shows us the way where we should walk and go, both night and day; and all the days of our life.

The word of God directs us in our work and way, and a dark place indeed the world would be without it. The commandment is a lamp kept burning with the oil of the Spirit, as a light to direct us in the choice of our way, and the steps we take in that way; Matthew Henry

Word (dabar, used 24 times): The idea is of the spoken word, God’s revealed word to man. “Proceeding from his mouth and revealed by him to us…” (Matthew Poole)

Strong's Hebrew: 216. אוֹר (or) -- light, lightning, lights

אוֹר (or) -- light, lightning, lights. From 'owr; illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.) -- …[1]

Strong's Greek: 5457. φῶς (phós) -- Light - Bible Hub

From an obsolete phao (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare phaino, phemi); luminousness (in the widest …[2] 

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Prov. 6: 23. 

“This Bible is a wonderful talking book; there is a great mass of blessed talk in this precious volume. It has told me a great many of my faults; it would tell you yours if you would let it. It has told me much to comfort me; and it has much to tell you if you will but incline your ear to it. It is a book that is wonderfully communicative; it knows all about you, all the ins and outs of where you are, and where you ought to be, it can tell you everything.” (Spurgeon)

The word of God is living and active and sharper than any sword; and it is sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel. If one cherishes, keeping it closer to their heart, they benefit power. God’s word has the power to lead us, speak to us, and speak to our heart, and to our soul when we are assailed in trouble. It is important that we should cherish in God’s word, and keep it closer to our heart, mind, will, and intellect.  Loving the One who gave us His words, and worshipping Him, is important because they and indeed wonderful words!

“In the first creation, ‘darkness was upon the face of the deep’ (Genesis 1:2) until God called light into being, so the new creation involves the banishing of spiritual darkness by the light which shines in the Word.” (Bruce)

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house; Matt. 5: 15.

 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all; 1 Jn. 1: 5.

        Any one wants to be wise, then keep God’s word closer to the heart, mind, soul, intellect and keep it in the forefront of our brain. Write it on the tablet of our heart.

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.  For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man; Prov. 3: 1-4.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not; Jn. 1: 5.

Strong's Greek: 2638. καταλαμβάνω (katalambanó) -- To seize, to grasp …

Latin translators chose forms of comprehendere and    apprehendere, from which English inherits “comprehend” and “apprehend.” The …[3] 

“The Greek verb is not easy to translate. It contains the idea of laying hold on something so as to make it one’s own. This can lead to meanings like ‘lay hold with the mind’, and thus ‘comprehend’…[Yet] The verb we are discussing has a rarer, but sufficiently attested meaning, ‘overcome’. It is that that is required here.” (Morris)

         That light which the world has difficulty comprehending is our Lord Jesus Christ.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth; Jn. 1: 14.

       Neuroscience points to God’s word, time and time again. Bible and neuroscience have much in common, and a more satisfying answer comes from understanding how God designed the human brain. Neuroscience reveals that directly behind our forehead sits the Frontal Lobe.

The Frontal Lobe is responsible for “motor control and cognitive activities, such as planning, making decisions, setting goals, speech, and purposeful behavior.” At the very front sits the Prefrontal Cortex, which handles “the integration of information about emotion, memory, and environmental stimuli” and “the regulation of behavior and control of responses to environmental stimuli.” (TheRefinersFire.org/Phylacteries.htm)[4]

         Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) is the place, where all of our decisions are made, and our thoughts become actions. God is our Creator and He made us in His image. He wired all of us fearfully, wonderfully and fashioned differently, (Ref. Psa. 139).

        God who designed each one of our brains, has given precise instructions to Moses. The precise instruction was exactly where God’s commandments must be stored. He designed our brains in a way, that it can hold much information than the master computer in this world, that is before sin entered in! What we lost can be atoned at the Cross, through life in Christ; and much more in glory when we are fully redeemed!  Can we imagine the potential of a human brain?

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes; Deut. 6: 8.

        As I was writing this, I just looked at both of my palms, and realized I could not write this, unless God has bind this on my hand; and placed it on my frontlets between my eyes! A very personal humbling moment! I want to praise Him, all of my life.  

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[1]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Hebrew+word+for+light&cvid=

[2]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+light&cvid=a8

[3]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=comprehend+Greek+word&cvid

[4] Understanding How the Bible and the Brain Are Connected - LEAD BIBLICALLY