Devotion #10 in Cultured for Reigning

USING THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT "And take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17)

There is only one sword in the believers weaponry: the "sword of the Spirit." The believer handles it, but the Spirit gives it power. We take the sword, but if there were no Spirit, it would be no sword at all! It is the Holy Spirit that makes the Word of God a sword. We are being cultured for a reign, and our use of the Word of God bears directly upon that reign. In Christ, we can become adept in the handling of the Word of God. A Scripture emphasizing this is (2 Tim. 2:15). "Handling aright" the Word of God involves a proper use of it: giving the proper word to the proper people, and at the proper time. We can bring the Word of God to bear upon contemporary situations. This is kingly act, and is to be taken seriously.

The use of this weapon--the sword of the Spirit--involves us in the good work of God. It is employed against the devil and all of his artifices. Properly wielded, it cuts to the quick, exposing the "thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb 4:12). There is no sword like this one--no weapon as effective as this one! It came from God, and is still linked with His power. It can be said of no other word, "The Word of God is quick (living) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword . . . " Give God thanks that you have the honor of using it. Use it well, as someone that has been made a "king and priest" unto God (Rev 1:5-6).

CONCLUSION

May these things whet your appetite for your coming reign. We will not be negotiators in glory, but kings. We will not make suggestions, but will render judgements. We need to begin now to acquaint ourselves with these holy activities.

The glory that will accrue to our Lord through our coming reign is staggering. Angelic hosts, together with the Cherubim and Seraphim, will behold a people snatched from the fire. Though defiled, their robes were washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Their sins, which were many and deep crimson, were made white as the driven snow. Their past seemingly removed all hope of restoration. Yet, the Father undertook to bring "many sons" to glory through His "only begotten Son." He did this without compromising His integrity or violating our free will.

The distinction of this situation lies in the transformation that is effected by salvation. Here is a people whose minds were changed. They were brought to abhor the sin that once dominated them. They were also brought to love the Lord Whom they had offended. Not only that, they were given keen insight, enabling them to see, in appropriate measure, as God sees and judge as God judges.

With the heavenly host watching on, we will judge and reign to the glory of God. Be encouraged to begin now to appropriate the resources required to make sound judgements. Remember you are urged to ask for the wisdom you lack, expecting to receive a liberal supply of it from your Father!

-- TOMORROW, A new series: JESUS THE GREAT SHEPHERD --