Revelation Part 16

Eternity Online: John Edmiston (Editor)



Eternity-Inspiration for  Friday 31st October 1997


Revelation Part 16

(Revelation 1:16 NRSV) {16} In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force.
"from His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword". The Jesus we see in the gospels certainly was "sharp" and His replies to the Pharisees "cut them to the quick". When Jesus speaks it is with incisive words. His tongue can be a surgeon's scalpel to heal or a magistrate's sword to deliver judgement. His sharpness in speech flows from an accuracy in perception. It is because He knows intimately what is in our hearts that He can speak to them with such precision. The word of God in the mouth of Jesus is a weapon that can demolish strongholds. This image of the sharp two-edged sword immediately brings two well-known verses to mind:
(Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV) 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. {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.

(Ephesians 6:17 NKJV) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
The Holy Spirit wields His sword, the word of God, to cut deeply through to the thoughts and intentions of the heart because He knows us at the deepest possible level and everything is open to Him. The Holy Spirit knows the depths of God and the depths of man and puts spiritual truths in spiritual words. (1 Cor 2:10-16) When we speak spiritual truths with spiritual words (not special vocabulary but Holy Spirit chosen words) we gain a sharp tactical wisdom that this world cannot contradict (Luke 21:14,15) and it is then we can be said to be wielding the sword of the Spirit.

In Isaiah this spiritual endowment gives the Messiah acute wisdom and tactical ability. (Isaiah 49:2 NKJV) And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me."

In Revelation the sword is used against two groups of people 1) heretics 2) the rebellious nations. Its first use is against the proponents of the Nicolaitan heresy at Pergamos. (Revelation 2:12-17 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:...{15} "Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. {16} 'Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

Secondly the sword is used against the nations. In Revelation 19 the returning Jesus is coming with His angels to a rebellious and apostate world that is under the domination of the Beast. "(Revelation 19:14-16 NKJV) And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. {15} Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. "

The sword of the Spirit, the word of God is a spiritual weapon of immense power that, in Revelation, is something to be truly feared. There is a sense of "or else.." to it. It is more than just quoting a bible verse at someone. It is speaking God's words with authority and precise accuracy into a situation just like Jesus and the apostles did. It may involve quoting Scripture and that is precisely how Jesus used the sword of the Spirit to defeat Satan in the wilderness. However it is not quoting Scripture or arguing Scripture in a theological sense. Using the sword of the Spirit means authoritatively declaring a Scripture into a particular situation where it fits. When Jesus said to Satan "It is also written "You shall not test the Lord your God.", it wasn't a debate it was a closure, a declaration, a slamming of the door. The sword of the Spirit is precise, authoritative and final.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we should tremble before You. Fear and reverence and awe and worship and glory and honour are due to You. May our mouths be like Your mouth speaking a wisdom this world cannot contradict, sharp, Spirit-filled Truth flowing from the eternal perspective of Heaven. Lord may we break down hard hearts and open people up to the gospel with precise words that penetrate the heart. Give us the sword of the Spirit Lord and teach us how to use it with skill so that the Kingdom grows. Amen.

---------------------------------------------------------------

This devotional may be freely distributed for ministry purposes

Questions and comments may be sent to:
[email protected]
(not to the list please)

John Edmiston ([email protected])
Editor - Eternity Online Magazine http://www.eternitymag.com/
A Biblical Corner of The Internet
Eternity Inspiration - Free daily devotionals
http://www.eternitymag.com/etinsp.htm
Tell your friends to subscribe!