"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." (Heb. 4:12)

Have you recently flown on an airplane? Do you recall the ritual of walking through the electronic device to detect concealed weapons? "A marvel of modern technology," you might think. Interestingly enough, centuries ago, one of the palaces of Chang-an, the ancient capital of what is now known as Thailand, had a similar device. Its gates were made of lodestone - a natural magnet. If a would-be assassin came in through the gate with a concealed dagger, the lodestone would pull at the hidden weapon like an invisible hand. Startled, the individual would involuntarily reach for the weapon. Trained guards, watching every movement, would then grab him. (From 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, p. 78-79)

One of the works of the Holy Spirit was, "He will convict the world of sin." (John 16:8) The word of the Spirit tugs at the concealed sins in our lives as though it is God's hidden hand.