The Sword of the Lord

I am remembering an Old Testament story of Gideon and how he fought against all odds with only 300 men of valor.  When they intruded into the enemy camp they broke their pitchers and proclaimed, "The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon."(Judges 7:18)  Throughout the Bible one can trace the Sword of the Lord and its tremendous significance.

For a short Bible study, lets fix our spiritual gaze upon Matthew 10:34.  These letters in red say, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth:  I came not to send peace, but a sword.  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.  And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."

At first glance one would seem to feel there is some contradiction.  After all, isn't the Prince of Peace coming to bring peace?  What's this sword thing all about?  As you read a couple more verses into the text you find the over-riding meaning, which is to follow Christ...even if it means being at odds with family and friends.  It is the 'First' commandment in stark language.  "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength."  

So why the Sword?  The sword separates good from evil; righteousness from unrighteous; the holy from the profane.  Notice Hebrews 4:12, "For the word (sword) of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The Sword of the Lord divides in many area's...here are a few for your consideration:

1.  It separates righteous family members from those who are bent on partying, thievery, and other sins.

2.  It separates men from jobs that are less than upright.  I recall a man who refused to work at a store that sold alcoholic beverages.

3.  It divides relationships that are unwholesome in God's sight.

4.  It cuts into your thoughts that may deviate from the righteous pathway.

5.  It separates men from organizations and destinations that do not align with the Kingdom of God.

6.  It quickly acknowledges the wheat (the positive and good) in our lives, disclosing also the chaff (undesirable, fleshly).

7.  It knows our motives, or intentions and can separate them from our actions.

8.  It separates young people from the yoke of peer pressure.

9.  It cuts preachers loose from tradition and cookie-cutter religion to follow God's heart.

10.  It cuts the tight-wad away from his selfishness to a position of giving freely to the Kingdom work.

Indeed, Jesus has come to bring a sword.  When it cuts I hope to be on the side of righteousness.  One day the dividing line will be abundantly clear as Christ separates the 'sheep' from the 'goats'.  Let the sword work for you today.

Be blessed,

Pastor Tim