The Wound That Brings Life

From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, (Rev 19)

As I waited in the dentist chair yesterday, I began to think about this image in Revelations. The army of Christ is dressed in white and sitting on white horses. At the head of the army is Jesus, the living Word of God. It struck me that it is significant that he is not holding the sword in his hand. The sharp sword is in his mouth and it is a double-edged sword that can divide between soul and spirit. This sword can pierce the inner heart and thoughts of a person and give a wound that gives life instead of death. This sword is God's Word of love, reconciliation and a call to a change of mind. When it pierces a person's heart, that person has the opportunity to be healed of their rebellion toward God.

The sword that man naturally desires and carries is the sword of force, fear and death. When we don't agree with someone, we are naturally tempted to threaten, hurt and kill. This can happen at various levels. For example, one level might happen in a marriage, "No more sex" or "I want a divorce". This level is the threat and action against a intimate relationship. Another level is to "excommunicate", to cut off a friendship or to leave someone out of family gatherings. There are other threats to jobs, finances, and freedom. And, there is force against the physical body. None of these types of force can equal the power of God's sword.

Man's sword can affect external behavior and it can bring pain, discouragement and fear. But, it can not bring life. In contrast, God's sword has the power to change the inner being and to bring light, hope, and life where there was darkness, despair and death. Care is required. This sword requires a grip of love. If we try to wield God's truth out of fear, hate or anger, then we drop God's sword and we are swinging a sword made by a man. Lovingly speak the truth of God to someone today and you might give a wound that brings life.