Yesterday I wrote about the lampstands being a symbol of God’s word bringing His Light to Men. This is embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ. This lesson is about the double-edged sword in Jesus’ mouth.
“And out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword.” (Rev 1:16).
Our first reference to the sword being in a person’s mouth is found in Isaiah and is a statement about the Lord’s servant. God makes his mouth like a sword (Is 49:2). This is a prophecy about Jesus, whose words divide. He said about Himself, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Mt 10:34) Jesus did not bring a physical sword, but a spiritual one, and it came through His words. Jesus’ ministry to man was one of separating the truth from error, and light from darkness.
The nature of the sword is revealed in the book of Hebrews. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Heb 4:12-13).
The sword in Jesus’ mouth represents the words He speaks and the Spirit He speaks by. It is the spoken word coupled with God’s Spirit, and thereby is a two-edged sword. Because we must give account to God, His Son is preparing us by His words to be in the best place possible. It is not coincidence that Hebrews also contains this warning four times; “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Heb 4:7). It is important that we listen. In each letter to the seven churches in Revelation Jesus admonishes us to listen, saying “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (the first is Rev 2:7).
Knowing the significance of the sword, or words from Jesus’ mouth, and that His words have the power to set us in the right place (spiritually) before God, sets the purpose of the content of Revelation: God is restoring His people, and preparing a Bride for His Son. That is the power of the Word coupled with the Spirit of God. This is the face of God’s revival . . . His renewal for His church: restoration to Him. God desires a relationship with His people based on His nature and our recreated selves. He is not coming again to bring an experience or a feeling, but to include those that listen and obey into His kingdom.
Each letter to the churches in Revelation contains advice on how they can be set in the best possible place before God, and how they can avoid losing their spiritual inheritance. Jesus is “He who searches hearts and minds, and (He) will repay each of (us) according to our deeds.” (Rev 2:23) Since we seek after His reward, and an eternal relationship with the Father and Son, Let us listen, and implement God’s words to us today. Amen.
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