The Word as a sword - 16 September 2024

The sword first appears in the Bible in the first few chapters of Genesis, when a flaming sword blocks Adam and Eve from accessing the tree of life and living for ever.

I can only imagine the sword Goliath carried when he was involved in that unfortunate battle with David. “David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.” (1 Samuel 17:51)

But on the night Jesus was arrested before his death on the cross, Peter the Apostle pulled his sword out and swung resulting in the servant of the high priest’s ear being severed. Before Jesus reattached the ear, he admonished Apostle Peter not to use the sword because in the same way it is used, it would be used in turn.

Talking about ears, an iconic image from this year’s election trail in the United States is seared on many minds – the one of the former president, Donald Trump, after surviving an assassination attempt. Immediately, amid utter chaotic scenes, and ear bloodied, he held up his fist and mouthed the word “fight”.

We are not quite called to fight in the same way, but the Bible, too, exhorts us to take the fight to the devil. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

I have heard that the sword referred to is not the elongated one we might expect. Some scholars are more inclined to see it as a dagger-like implement for close-range combat – for when the battle intensifies and truly gets fierce.

It is for when the devil comes to us and whispers pure lies and evil in our ears. When he spews all kinds of dreadful, vitriolic thoughts that terrify and shame us, and cause us to doubt and worry. When we are filled with fear and horror, we need the Word of God to hand to help us and bring with it the peace (shalom) we desire.

The point is the Bible is our defensive and offensive weapon, which we use to get around in this world. We are a part of the Lord’s army of believers and this is one of the most effective weapons against the devil who is not interested in the work we are doing.

Prayer: Thank you, Father God, for giving us all we need to thrive in this world, even when having to be a participant in hand-to-hand combat. Amen.