Honestly, I can’t say that I was looking for a “sign from on high” as I carved up our Christmas ham for various sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, pasta salads, and whatever else ham is destined to become over a holiday weekend. Yet, I heard that hambone speak today and had to capture the sentiment. It didn’t literally speak out loud (‘cuz that would be totally weird, right?!). However, I was struck by the way the bone popped out when I cut it to make it fit into the crock pot. I was adding it to season and flavor the six-pound industrial-sized can of green beans I’d procured for Thanksgiving (but SOMEbody else wanted collard greens instead, so the green beans took a back seat until the next holiday…and here we are!). I digress…let’s get back to the hambone.

While sawing with that big ol’ serrated knife, I finally hit the bone. I knew the knife’s limitations and that it wouldn’t go through the bone, so I looked for the joint. I found it and wiggled against the knife until I heard a “pop!” When I saw the juicy marrow inside, Hebrews 4:12 popped into my head. I was like, “Wow Lord, I didn’t expect an object lesson from the kitchen today, but thank You!”

The Amplified Bible says it this way:

“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

As we ruminate over 2022, we can see that we’ve done some significant work. God invites us to labor to enter into His rest. As we do so, we can expect His Word – like a two-edged sword – to “penetrate as far as the division…of both the joints and marrow.” This indicates that there’s more work to be done in each of His children. Will you yield and allow Him to bring forth His plans through you in 2023?

This scripture passage challenges me to “cease from my own works” (just like Proverbs 3:5-6 constantly reminds me to “lean not to my own understanding). I have been in “reflect-and-repent” mode as I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the MANY things God has brought me through this year. As that knife cut and divided the ham and the bone and the marrow, I was reminded that God’s Word is powerfully working to sever some things that don’t need to go into the new year with me.

My prayer is that we will allow His Word to perform its penetrating work in us starting now and continuing into the new year…all for HIS glory.

P.S. I know I need to add more veggies to my menus in 2023…it’s already on my list! LOL

Abundant blessings for a Merry CHRISTmas and a prosperous Happy New Year, Kayren 🙂

“9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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 4:9-12)

© Copyright 2022 by Kayren J. Cathcart