You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon Your lips, therefore God has blessed You forever. Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, with Your glory and Your majesty. (Psalm 45:2-3)
In the previous devotion, we highlighted the notion that the King, interpreted to be the Messiah, possessed a sword — and thus the ability to conquer with force — but kept it sheathed. In this devotion, we need to address the fact that there will be a time when the Messiah will pull His sword to use against His enemies. In fact, the Messianic era, which is portrayed as a time of universal peace, will begin with a terrible war in which His enemies are trodden down before Him. As it is written, “For by fire and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh and the slain of the Lord shall be many” (Isaiah 66:16).
While the destruction described in this verse should be interpreted literally, it is important to consider just what the sword of the Lord actually is. In the book of Revelation this sword is mentioned on multiple occasions, all hinting that His sword is His Word. John described Him as having a sharp two-edged sword going out of His mouth (Revelation 1:16). Speaking to the congregation of Pergamos, Messiah said, “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth” (Revelation 2:16). Furthermore, when He returns to take up His throne as King of kings, John said, “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” (Revelation 19:15).
As the writer of Hebrew acknowledges, the word of God is powerful and “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). It is able to pierce the hearts of men and discern our thoughts and intentions. Therefore, the Messiah obviously doesn’t need a sword of iron on His hip to administer justice to the nations — all He has to do is speak. By His Word, all things came into being and by His Word those things that are an offense to Him can be removed. Understanding the power and majesty of His Word, we must be armed with the same powerful weapon — not with the intent to destroy men’s lives but to fight the good fight of faith. So along with the other necessary equipment needed for battle, let us make sure we are equipped with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments