Day 43
"In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance." Revelation 1:16 (NIV)
So now that we know the Word of God is like a sword, how do we handle this sword? What do we do with it? As we look at the life of Jesus, we see one famous example.
Jesus, having been baptized by John, affirmed by God that he truly was God's beloved Son, was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted of the devil. Earlier in this series we saw that it was this confirmation and determination of his identity that prepared Jesus for his encounter with Satan.
But how Jesus responded to the devil is what we need to take notice of today. He countered every lie and temptation of the enemy with the truth of God's word.
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'
Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Luke 4:4, 8, 12 (NIV, emphasis mine)
He did not try to battle the lies and temptations with his own thoughts, his own opinions, but rather he leans back into history and decrees God's words to counter the enemy.
Some presume to be able to battle with the enemy on their own terms, but to follow the Lord's example is best. God gives us his Word as a sword, which we can use as a weapon. But it is only a weapon designed for the enemy. We are not to manipulate the Word to get our own way or control others, but if we are to fight with it, let it be for the destruction of the enemy's lies that we use it.
Prayer: "God, teach me to use your Word not for my own gain or against another person, but instead teach me to handle your Word with strength and dignity befitting it. Teach me how to use it against the lies and temptations of the enemy that come my way. In Jesus I pray, Amen."
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