Monday | 31 August 2026
The most basic implication of our human infirmity, inherited from the fall of mankind, is that we think that we understand our motivations. This is a presumptuous delusion. The prophet Jeremiah said, ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?’ Jer 17:9. The reality is that the thoughts and intentions of our heart can only be known in the light of the word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces to the division of soul and spirit. Heb 4:12.
The focus of shepherds, who are among the flock, is to proclaim that the Son of God has come to give us an understanding, that we might know Him who is true and, thereby, know what is true. 1Jn 5:20. Presbyters should know what is true because they are established together in Christ by one Spirit. This capacity for oneness belongs to, and is given by, ‘the Spirit of truth’. Joh 15:26. Joh 16:13.
The word of the Son, proclaimed by the Holy Spirit, through the ministry of shepherd-messengers, makes a breach upon our heart. It enables us to meet Christ eye to eye and heart to heart, which exposes the thoughts and intentions of our heart. Paul declared, ‘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.’ Heb 4:13.
As we maintain Christ’s gaze in the light of the word, we receive an understanding of our impact upon others so that we can find repentance through confession. Through repentance and faith in response to this word, we are being called to be reconciled to our name as a son of God in the fellowship of Yahweh, and to be reconciled with those whom we have impacted through our self-centredness.
Further Study:
Hebrews 4
References:
Jer 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?
Heb 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1Jn 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Joh 15:26
But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
Joh 16:13
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
Heb 4:13
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.