Oct 01

When John was given his vision of the end of the world and the coming kingdom of God which will replace it, he saw Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, astride a white horse, and "out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations" (Rev.19:15). All God has to do is speak the word and entire nations are struck down.

One of the constants in the Bible is that whatever device or strategy the enemies of God use to try to attack God or his people becomes the very method that he uses to inflict his punishment on them. Haman built a gallows on which to hang a Jew, and that very gallows was used to hang him instead (Esther 5-7).

Adoni-Bezek cut off the thumbs and big toes of those he captured, and the same was done to him when he fell to Israel's army (Judges 1:4-7).

At the end, the same principle will apply. When Jesus first came into this world, the king in power over that region gave the word to put all male infants two years old and younger to death, seeking to kill Jesus, who was perceived by him to be a threat to his throne.

When Jesus comes to this earth the second time, then he will wield the sword, putting down entire nations with a single word from the lips of the King of kings:

"These enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them--bring them here and kill them in front of me" (Luke 19:27).

Scripture for today: Luke 19:11-27
Thought for today: The Word of God is the sword of God, slaying his enemies.
Prayer for today: Lord, grant that I may always hold you in reverence and awe, respecting your great power. For though you are a God of great mercy, you will not spare those who refuse to honor you as the King of kings.

OCT 01