Today’s Bread ~ Dull Sword

Ephesians 6:17 – Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

When it comes to cooking dinner, I am a creature of habit.  My meals tend to consist of the following: Meat dish, starchy side dish (typically rice, pasta, corn or potatoes), and a salad.  Every now and then I’ll go a little nutty and throw some fruit on the table for good measure, but for the most part, I’m less than adventurous.

Since I’m exposing my culinary flaws, I’ll tattle on myself once more: I often neglect to sharpen my knives.  This is something my mother warned me about growing up, and to this day, I hear her words of caution ring through my ears as I saw away at the tomatoes.  My mom always said that a knife was good and sharp when it sliced simply and swiftly through a tomato.

It was during one of these sawing episodes that, in my frustration, I applied more pressure than necessary and somehow lost my grip on the handle.  As I cleaned and bandaged my hand I shook my head at the irony.  Apparently a blade that has trouble with tomato skin has no problem with human flesh. 

There is a lesson to be learned here, that has nothing to do with tomatoes.

I sometimes wonder if God’s children don’t approach Christianity like I approach making dinner; falling into the pattern of sameness, week in and week out.  Dress the kids, head to church.  Quick blessing before dinner, quick prayer while drifting off to sleep.  Reaching for the Bible like I reach for my cookbook: only out of desperation.  Never tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit, never realizing the potential for excitement and adventure.

If we are living as Christ wants us to live, our lives should never be dull.

Psalm 149:6 – Let the praises of God be in their mouths and a sharp sword in their hands.

Throughout both the Old Testament and New, God’s Word is likened to a weapon, and rightly so.  When used properly, it swiftly and sharply convicts the wayward.  But if I learned anything through the tomato, it’s this:  A dull blade can still do damage.

Earlier this week I read that the Westboro Baptist Church plans to picket the funeral of Betty Ford in the name of a twisted interpretation of Scripture that, in no way, shape, or form, conveys the nature of God.  My heart aches for both the Ford family and anyone who looks on and thinks the Westboro congregation is an accurate representation of Christ Followers.

The Pastor of the largest church in America uses God’s Word in the opposite way – promising health and wealth if we only believe; if we only focus on the positive and let go of the negative.  What a grievous error to neglect the reality of sin and God’s judgment, and in so doing fail to preach the full counsel of God.  How many are left frustrated and in bondage because no one has told them to repent?

Hebrews 4:12 – For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

I need to faithfully sharpen my knives to avoid tomato injuries.  I need to faithfully sharpen my Sword to avoid being deceived. 

The double-edged sword referred to by the writer of Hebrews is the Roman gladius.  The Romans were known for their fierce battle tactics, and the gladius in particular is known as “the sword that conquered the world.”  The gladius was most often used when fighting in rugged, mountainous areas.  Their enemies used traditional, longer weapons (more suited for mounted fighting), so the Roman soldier would rush their opponent, drawing so close that the longer sword would be rendered useless while the Roman thrust the dreadfully sharp, double-edged, diamond-tipped instrument through their armor. 

The Bible, or the Word of God, when used as intended, is a powerful, irresistible weapon.  It talks the hopeless down from the ledge.  Encourages the alcoholic to put down the bottle.  Restores marriages.  Brings the wayward child back home.  Enables the selfish to replace the “ish” with a “less.”   It shines a light to the lost and brings healing to the hurt.  Gives rest to the restless and comfort to the hurting.  Eases the guilt of the guilty, and refines us in the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit.  The Word of God is our hope, our foundation, and our refuge.

Psalm 103:4 – He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You so much for Your Word, the Bible.  We pray for those who misuse it.  Please convict them and lead them to repentance.  Please minimize the damage they do, and help us to shine ever brighter.  We ask You to help us be more diligent about spending time with You in the Word.  As we read, please give us wisdom and understanding – help us to sharpen our swords!  Give us the discernment to know when someone twists Scripture to meet their own agenda.  Reveal Your truth to us through the power of the Holy Spirit, teaching and guiding us.  Help us to delight in You, help us to love what You love!  We love You so much, God, and we thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  It is in His holy name that we pray.  Amen.