Jesus Holds the Sword

To the angel of the Church of Pergamos, the Compromising Church, write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword.'

Jesus holds the sharp two-edged sword.

Jesus opens this letter by reminding this church that He HAS the sharp two-edged sword. A quick Google search tells why this particular sword is powerful. It allows the One who wields it to cut without rotation or flipping. It is ideal for deep thrusts, penetrating armor. It is versatile in close combat.

This two-edged sword pierces the darkness with power and authority. It cuts in any direction. It divides genuine faith with selfish motives. It is efficient and precise.

This is one of those meditations that causes a holy fear to rise up within me. It reminds me that God is Almighty and I want to be found following Him. I remember the first commandment, I AM the Lord your God, you shall have NO OTHER gods before me. (Exodus 20: 2-emphasis mine)

Could Jesus be the two-edged sword?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:1

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Ephesians 6:17 tells us to "take up the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God."

Stay with me here, my friend. The Word was in the beginning, with God and was God. Then the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus. In Ephesians we read that the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. All roads lead to Jesus!

The Sword in Action

"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." Hebrews 4:12

He is the living, active Word of God! He is able to cut through the junk and see our hearts. Are they pure? What is our delight? He knows everything about us and still He chose the journey of love. He became flesh, dwelt among us, was crucified, died and was buried.

He rose again, conquering death!

"Oh Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" I Corinthians 15:55

It is only the ways of God, where we find the poor are rich, the lame walk, the blind see and that the precious blood of Jesus can wash us as white as snow. This beauty and mystery leaves me in a place of holy, awesome fear.

With this Sword in our hearts, we need not be afraid. Instead, we are courageous. We can stand upon the truths that He teaches us through His Word . Because He holds the sword! Because He is the Sword. And because He lives in us if we believe in Him. And THAT my friend, is the really great news of God!

In this particular letter to the compromising Church, Jesus felt it necessary to begin by telling them that He is holding the sword. Is it an encouragement or a stark warning? I'm reminded of another Scripture.

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

Let's close with this thought, whom do you serve?

Dear Jesus, thank you for the mysteries of your words, your life and the secrets of heaven. Open the eyes of your Church to see you. May we hear the calling that you have placed upon each one of us as we live in such a time as this. May we follow You with our whole heart, minds and soul. May You be the One that we aim to please. May we walk in righteousness and joy today. We ask this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.