wondering about an expression used frequently.
(Sections 6, 11, 14)
1 aA great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.
2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.
(Sections 15, 16)
1 Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.
2 For behold, I speak unto you with asharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the bearth.
Why is his word likened to the power of a sword?
The footnote led me to Helaman 3:29.
29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the aword of God, which is bquick and powerful, which shall cdivide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and dnarrow course across that everlasting egulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked
The time of Helaman was one of great war and dissension.
In 1829, those who believed Joseph Smith were experiencing violent persecution and would see much more in the years to come.
And currently people in the U.S. are overwhelmed with political divisions, racial bias, and even personal opinions garnering hate from those with differing opinions.
I take comfort from knowing that if we heed the Lord's words -- through the scriptures, the prophet, and personal revelation through prayer -- we will receive direction and peace. Hatred, contention and dissension are the cunning, snares and wiles of the devil. We can overcome by leaning on the words of God who is more powerful than all.
Through the Spirit, God reveals things to our spirits... His word can also cut through culture, habits, biases, preconceptions, and doubts to speak to the innermost part of us... When people hear His word preached with power, they are often “pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37)
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