“…and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.” Revelation 1:16
Dear Ones:
Why does the Apostle John, on the isle of Patmos, receive the revelation of Jesus Christ, with a sharp two-edged sword coming from His mouth? We find the same symbolism in at least two other passages of Scripture, the first being in Hebrews 4:12, where the author writes: “For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” In the book of Isaiah, we find these words: “And He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword.” (49:2) What is it about this picture of the two-edged sword that is so very important to grasp?
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesian believers, he speaks of taking, “….the sword of the Spirit, which IS the word of God.” The first thing that we see is that this “word of God” is exactly what it says and declares. It is not something of this earth or creation; it is OF the Creator. Secondly, we see that, not only is God the creator and user of that “word,” but the Spirit of God is that One who implements, accomplishes it. It is by the authority of Christ, by the Spirit, that that word goes forth with power to accomplish the will and purpose of God. What are the properties, and purpose, of this sword?
Again, in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we see that the sword is an instrument of war. It is also the symbol of power to take a life, or to let one live. Such was the case with Joshua who was confronted with the “Captain of the host of the Lord.” (Joshua 5:14) This “Captain” appears before Joshua with His sword drawn, ready to do battle. In the life of David, there came a day, because of David’s sin, that the angel of the Lord was sent to Jerusalem to destroy it. God would tell the angel to stop the destruction at a certain moment. It was then that David lifted up his eyes, and saw “…the angel of the Lord stand between earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand.” (1 Chronicles 21:16) The power of life and death was in that sword. And so it is with the word of God.
Why is it that in Isaiah, with a certain reference to the coming Messiah, it is written: “…And He hath made my MOUTH like a sharp sword?” It is because of the authority associated with that sword. It also has to do with the effectiveness of this weapon to expose, separate, and distinguish, that which is of the soul and spirit. In Hebrews 4, we read: “…(this sword..or word of God) is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (v.12) Here is a weapon used in an offensive manner by God, to reveal to the heart and mind of sinful man, the truth of God as opposed to the thoughts of sinful man. It is a powerful tool, in that it has the capacity to “discern,” reveal the contrast and difference between that which is of Life and that which is of death, that which is holy and that which is not. How can we apply this knowledge of the importance, power and authority of the sword, the word of God, to our lives…at this present time?
The word in Isaiah speaks of a personal capacity and power given to the Messiah: “He hath made MY mouth like a sharp sword.” (49:2) Yet, the Lord goes on to say, “Thou art my servant, O Israel.” (v.3) The ministry of Christ was TO Israel, using His word of authority and power, as a testimony to the world. In the New Testament, beginning on the day of Pentecost, we discover the mystery hidden throughout the ages, Christ, by His Spirit, coming to dwell His church. It is then that the “ministry of reconciliation” is committed to the church. God’s word, this sword of the Spirit, given TO the church, is now to be proclaimed to the world, in the same power and Spirit.
Dear Father, Open our mouths to speak Your word in the power and demonstration of the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad