“…I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophesy.” Revelation 19:10
In the revelation of the glorified Christ in the book of Revelation, John the Apostle describes Him having a sharp, two-edged sword coming out of His mouth (1:16). In the first chapter of Revelation, this fact is coupled with the fact that “…His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” So overpowering was this vision of Christ in His glory, that John, when he saw Him, “…fell at His feet as dead.” (v.17) Why did God give to John this vision of Christ in this manner, especially concerning the matter of the sword coming out of His mouth in the power of His glory? It is certainly in part to communicate to us the importance of the “Word” of God, the living, eternal Word, and yet, the “Word which was made flesh and dwelt among us.” (Jn. 1:14) So important is this expression of God by the Word, that means by which God reveals Himself to men in truth and power, that from the beginning of Scripture to its very end, God unveils again and again His great means of manifesting Himself to men, saving them, and then communicating with them in communion, or fellowship. The act of God speaking is that wondrous manner and means by which He makes man to know who He is, and what He will do in and through the one who truly worships, trusts, and follows Him.
In the latter part of the book of Revelation, at the occasion of Christ’s “second coming,” we see heaven opened, and the glorified Christ coming on a white horse. He is called at that time, “Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.” (19:11) This vision speaks of Christ’s everlasting sovereignty and power, but also of the fact that he IS, and can never be other than, “FAITHFUL AND TRUE.” The whole bent, leaning, and will of His being is to BE what He SAYS. In other words, His WORDS are the very exact expression of what and who He is, and ever shall be. This is why man is called upon to believe, trust, and obey Him, for He alone is God, and will fulfill His words, thus making Him perfectly trustworthy for time and eternity. This testimony of Jesus was born out by Him when He walked this earth, for He declared of Himself: “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” (Jn. 14:6) In this vision of Christ at His second coming, we see again that He is called, “The Word of God.” (19:13) We also see Him coming with the armies of heaven, following Him on white horses, and clothed in fine linen, “white and clean.” John then goes on to describe Christ by writing: “And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations.” (v.15) Again, why do we see this “sword?” The sword is both the means of communicating to men the will and purpose of God by this Living Word, but also, the spiritual weapon by which all Christ’s enemies will be openly defeated and destroyed. He speaks, and His will is done, because all the authority of heaven has been given to Him, and that power is revealed and directed by His Word. What then does this vision, and reality, have to do with the individual disciple of Christ, especially while he is living on this earth?
In the days of the prophet Samuel, Scripture tells us that there was “no open vision, ” or frequent revelation, or manifestation of God in Israel. But God would use Samuel to reveal Himself again to the people. How? Scripture tells us that, “…the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh BY THE WORD OF THE LORD.” (1 Samuel 3:21) God spoke to Samuel. God speaks today to the listening, expectant disciple.
Dear Father, Speak, making us listen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have meditated on this several times. The truths expressed here are just so wonderful!