Scripture:
Psalm 149:6 ESV
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
Devotion:
The word “purpose” is defined as being the reason that something is done, created, or why it exists. When we think of a sword, we can determine that there are many reasons on why it may be drawn or used. Especially considering it is usually referenced as a form of a weapon that is used in an offensive as well as a defensive method. For the Roman soldiers, they drew their sword to use it to fight off the enemy in the moment of an attack and for a Christian, the two-edge sword which is God’s Word is drawn and used in the spiritual battles that we are faced with. When faced with the enemies’ tactics, it is vital to have something on hand that can be used effectively to defeat the enemy. To use the sword effectively it must be studied and handled with a firm yet controlled grip so nothing can strip it from you. Jesus demonstrated how to effectively use the two-edge sword when Satan tried his hardest to tempt Jesus at a moment when His flesh was weak. Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights when Satan felt that Jesus’s situation made him an easy target. Little did he know that he was about to be in for a rude awakening because Jesus had His weapon (God’s Word) hidden in His heart. Every move that Satan threw, Jesus threw the Word of God right back at him. Jesus did not waiver nor did He fall. He stood flat footed and ready for battle.
Reflection:
On a two-edge sword both sides are sharpened so that it can penetrate and cut at every contact with every movement. God’s Word not only penetrates our heart, but it also gives us the knowledge to rightly divide the truth. The more we know and understand the Word of God, the more effective we will be in standing against the enemy. Ready or not, weak, or strong, attacks from the enemy will come so why not be ready and be strong with your two-edge sword hidden in your heart.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I know that there will be multiple attacks from the enemy and there is nothing that I can do about it. However, I can be prepared mentally, physically, and most of all spiritually. Help me to study and understand your Word so that I can rightly divide the truth and allow it to penetrate in my heart so that I can always carry it with me wherever I go to face whatever comes my way. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Sister Jennifer Moses