With a Subtitle: Believers need to be pointed beyond physical swords to the life-changing power of God’s Word
A brief Excerpt: Acts 12:2 reminds us that Scripture speaks of both physical swords and the sword of the Spirit. This devotional points believers to the living Word of God as the true instrument of conviction, change, and spiritual victory.
Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Acts 12:2, “He killed James the brother of John with the sword.”
Background
There is no shortage of swords in scripture. Even from the very beginning, as they were cast out of the garden, our first ancestors were introduced to the flaming sword of God, which protects the tree of life from sinful man. The iconic victory of David over Goliath has much to do with a sword. David was first equipped with the mail and armor and sword of the Israelite soldier but took it off to face the giant with just his staff and sling and stones. David warned Goliath that his sword, spear, and javelin were no match for his Lord of hosts, the God of Israel. And after Goliath fell, David used the giant’s own sword to remove his head. The final healing of Jesus before His crucifixion came about because Peter drew his sword and swiped off the ear of Malchus when the crowd came to arrest Jesus in the garden. Scripture also presents to us a different kind of sword. Paul teaches that we have been given equipment to use as we stand for Jesus, and part of that is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And this sword, though written on pages and thousands of years old, is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. Rather than removing heads and glowing with flames, it pierces our soul and spirit and discerns the very thoughts and intents of our heart.
Application
Many a youth has fantasized about being a valiant knight and wielding a sword for the glory of his king, and this adult is still drawn in by a movie with gladiators and knights and mighty fields of battle. But our real weapons, tools, or equipment are found between the stories of creation and the eternal kingdom. Our God’s communication with us has power where no sword can touch. Victory on a battlefield cannot compare with the magnificent transformation that the sword of the Spirit can accomplish within your heart and mine, and the heart of the wayward sinner. If you are interested in making this week or month or year be different than last, then God’s word is the path that will take you where He wants you. To be sure, there will be things that die on the sword, but the life you receive will be the one He intends for you to live.
Charge
As we seek Him today, expose your heart to the all-wise sword in the hands of your loving Father. Let Him decide what should live and die in your soul.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
Distributed by – BCWorldview.org