Matthew 10:34-39

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set[a] a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. 

Is there a harder verse in all of Scripture to wrap our minds and hearts around?  Gentle Jesus making this profound statement of His mission?  As He makes this declaration can you hear the eerie sound of His sword being unsheathed, ready to wield,  to cut down those who oppose Him?

 Hebrews 4:12 says “the Word (Jesus) is sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  (Revelations 1:16; 2:16; 19:15)

Can you feel the clang of swords as the battle for your soul rages?   Swords in conflict  (Ephesians 6:12-13)   Jesus voices clearly His purpose:  to divide, to set one against another, to require allegiance to the death.  This is a declaration of war.  Our hearts will be laid open before Him.  Words are weapons. 

Civil War

During the Civil War, brother was often pitted against brother, father against son, as men fought for the “rights” and privileges they believed were theirs.  Muskets blazing, bayonets flashing, cannons roaring all intended to destroy the enemy……………even one’s own family.  Love laid down for a cause.    In my sister’s home hangs a sword and its sheath. 

 

It is always placed in full view.  This sword and its’ sheath is a prized possession given to their family by their “adopted” Air Force Academy Cadet at his commissioning.  It is beautiful.  If used in any way other than as part of a uniform or as a wall hanging, it is deadly. 

Weapons of Warfare

Soldiers with swords:  Swords are weapons of warfare:  (II Cor 10:4-6, Ephesians 6:17)  instruments of exquisite beauty and craftsmanship and instruments of destruction, pain, and death.  Jesus’ own heart was pierced by this sword both physically as He hung on Calvary’s cross and emotionally as His life, word, and work pitted Him against His own brothers and community. (John 7:5)   Swords spill blood with deadly intention: the point pierces, the two honed, razor sharp edges divide, and the willingness to die for what one believes is revealed instantly.  

These men served their country for your freedom.  They were great men of courage. Today in honor of all veterans, this young lady is a true patriot.  Karly Mims granddaughter of Victor Hess and Capt.Roy S.Jones 

Our Savior never asks of us anything He Himself was not willing to endure.  He knows the costs……………the cost was His very life.  Can we give Him less?  This is the question He poses today that we must answer.  It has eternal ramifications.  Will we be found worthy of Him?

Unsheath your sword!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3nwShAYiIw

The Sword of The Spirit

Yvonne H Jones

For additional insight see https://renner.org/you-have-a-two-edged-sword/