February 22 Thought for the day....a two-edged sword life

The writer of Hebrews often saw Roman soldiers with two-edged broadswords. They were powerful offensive weapons that would make quick work of any enemy. God has a "two-edged sword" created for a powerful purpose in our lives, to destroy the thoughts, attitudes, and approach of the enemy.

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,"

The phrase "two-edged sword" appears in multiple places in the New Testament.  Literally translated, the phrase means two-mouthed. We see that illustrated in Revelation 1:16 "out of His (Jesus') mouth went a sharp two-edged sword," Why would Jesus have a sword coming out of his mouth rather than being in his hand.

Stay with me for a minute. Allow me to explain to you the power of this verse.

In Ephesians 6:17 we are told the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. The "word" is the Greek word "Rhema," which describes something that is spoken clearly, vividly, and in unmistakable terms and undeniable language. In the New Testament, it also carries the idea of a quickened word. Has this ever happened to you? You have been in the middle of some difficulty, battle, or need and as you are praying the Lord reminds you of a verse of scripture, that is a Rhema word, straight from the mouth of God. It cuts through the question, the concern and cuts right to the heart to lead you to your answer.

As you think about this word, it begins to bring life, hope, and the return of your joy. As you speak that word, it pushes back the thoughts, clouds, and confusion that held you captive. God's word from his mouth brought life which is one side of the blade. As we believe it and apply it by speaking it out ourselves, we prove we believe it, that is the other side of this blade. Together, God speaking His word to us and our standing on His word and speaking it out, we are able to destroy any enemy that may try to overcome us. This is the power of living a double-edged life. James put it this way

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22

The word is a two-edged sword from God's mouth and ours as we learn to trust Him and His word, we change the world