Read: Revelation 2:12; Hebrews 4:11-13; Revelation 19:11-16
The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. (Rev. 2:12)
In Revelation, as throughout the Bible, the two-edged sword is the Word of God. The key is that it issues from the mouth of the Lord Jesus. God does what he does by speaking. It’s how he made the creation (“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made”; Ps. 33:6). It’s how King Jesus will win the final victory (“From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations”; Rev. 19:15). The battle of Armageddon won’t be fought with planes and tanks; the Lord will simply speak, and every evil power will be overthrown.
Hebrews also compares God’s Word to a sharp sword, or perhaps we should say a scalpel, because it cuts open and lays bare the secrets of the heart. The Bible is an instrument of discernment. It can separate truth from falsehood, wheat from chaff, real from phony. If we approach Scripture humbly and openly, it will show us ourselves, what we truly are in God’s sight. Sinners, yes; but loved and redeemed sinners, accepted in the beloved Son, and precious to God.
God’s Word doesn’t just cut or diagnose; it also heals. I love the Roman officer in the Gospels who came to ask Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus offered to go with him, but the man said no. “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matt. 8:8). —David Bast
As you pray, what healing word might the Lord speak to you today?
About the Author
Rev. Dave Bast retired as the President and Broadcast Minister of Words of Hope in January 2017, after 23 years with the ministry. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of several devotional books. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he has also studied at both the Fuller and Calvin seminaries. Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and four grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
