SWORDS
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Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:47-56
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him …
Matthew 26:52
Swords can cut to kill or to save. Metaphorically, words or actions can also be swords, because they can cut as well. This passage is full of swords.
There’s the sword of a friend’s betrayal. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, which was supposed to be a sign of greeting and respect for one’s teacher. Why did he do it? Because Judas was disappointed with Jesus. Jesus did not set up a political, earthly kingdom and give Judas a place of honor and power as he had hoped.
Are you disappointed with Jesus?
Jesus responded, “Friend, do what you came for.” Like a sword, those words must have cut deep. They uncovered the horror of betrayal. Judas discovered later that he could not live with that (Matthew 27:3-5).
The crowd armed with swords represented the power of the state. It’s a horrible thing when the state uses its power unjustly against its own citizens. Jesus was no criminal. Jesus exposed the state’s dark deed with the words of a cutting question.
Jesus also said to Peter, “Put your sword back.” Drawing swords is the way of death. The good news is that Jesus died for us, not that we must kill for him.
We must take up “the sword of the Spirit … the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). God’s Word is our weapon against sin, and its power saves and protects life.
Prayer
Lord, forgive us for hurting you and others with the swords of destructive words and deeds. Make us skillful with the sword of the Spirit to praise you and bless others. Amen.
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Thank you very much for the wonderful devotion that helps mediating the power of the swords (verses) and the worst effect of swords (words and deeds) of mine. I sincerely and whole heartily thank back to God for faithfully sending the devotional book for the past twenty years. I must apologize for not being faithful in making good use of this little piece of literature. I am sure your sincere prayers and faithfulness did not go vain, now I work as servant of Jesus Christ among youth and children, and my kith and kin faithfully make use of ‘Today’ these days, in fact my daughter gave her life to the Lord, through the kids corner web site. I am indebted to ‘today’ & wish to give my support for this wonderful ministry, but as a christian worker from the lower middle class in India I could not support financially, although I wish, I assure to pray for Back to God ministries and introduce to many in India. Would you continue to pray for me. Once again I thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!..