“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword”
“And he said to them, Thus says the Lord god of Israel, Every man put his sword on his side and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.
And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses; and there fell of the people that day about 3000 men. And Moses said [to the Levites, By your obedience to God's command] you have consecrated yourselves today as priests to the Lord, each man [at the cost of being] against his own son and his own brother, that the Lord may restore and bestow blessing upon you this day.” (Exodus 32:27-29)
Jesus says in Matthew 10:34-37 says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law –And a man's foes will be they of his own household. He who loves [and takes pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] me is not worthy of Me.”
And in Luke 22:36 Jesus said to His disciples, “But now let him who has a purse take it, and also [his provision] bag; and let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy a sword.”
The word sword that is used is the Greek word machaira, Strongs #3162. In the Hebrew it is chereb, Strongs #2719. It is a “short sword or dagger” that is double edged. [1] It is often used for cutting up flesh [2]. It is distinguished from a large sword that would be used to poke at someone or hit them from a distance. It requires one to come intimately near and use it with skill. [a]
The machaira sword is also associated with the Word of God. Once commentary includes the definition, “'the sword of the Spirit,' probing the conscience, subduing the impulses to sin. “ [3] Paul says in Ephesians 6:17 that we need to put on the whole armor of God which He supplies -which includes the “sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.” (Eph. 6:17.)
As commentary notes, the sword is a figure of speech. It is referring to the sword of the Spirit. [4] Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.”
Revelation 1:16 gives us a picture of Jesus with a machaira sword in His mouth, implying that He used it in the Words He spoke to others. It says, “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”
Too often the way we use a sword as more of a long sword where we stand back at a distance and pierce another through with our judgments for them not living up to our expectations.
Proverbs 12:18 says, “There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
To speak rashly means to lack due consideration. We can criticize or judge another and then think we are helping them to tell them about their fault when really we are causing them harm.
Jesus says in Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out to you.
Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother's eye but do not become aware of and considered the beam of timber that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye? You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother's eye.”
The machaira sword of the Spirit is meant to bring healing and not harm. We use it up close and intimate, bringing a word from God by the Spirit in a way that cuts away the flesh and brings healing. It is not our judgments upon another but the Word of truth that is given in love. It may hurt as our flesh is cut away, but ultimately it brings life.
Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “Open rebuke is better than love that is hidden. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are lavish and deceitful.”
Today on Twitter, at a site I follow called @Odwhispers, they presented some questions from Bill Hybels that can be used to help discern the spirit behind our words and actions.
It noted, “Ask God is this really from you? Does it match with God's character? Can you imagine Jesus saying it? Then wait.
Is it Scriptural? Does it violate the teaching of Scripture? Can you imagine Jesus doing it? When in doubt, ask.
Is it wise? Acting in wisdom doesn't mean there's no risk. But avoid acting quickly on life altering decisions.
Is it in tune with my own character? Your life has a trajectory, even in your mistakes. God made you to be you.
What do the people I most trust say? Gotta filter an important whisper through those who know you.” [5]
We are not called to destroy peace or destroy another person. We are always called to be peacemakers in everything we say and do. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous -with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
Sometimes we go in the opposite direction of judging or criticizing another and 'go along to get along'. We think we are of keeping the peace with others while really we are stuffing our feelings and growing in resentment. In reality, we are lying and manipulating others by pretending.
Proverbs 12:19-20 goes on to say, “Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy.
Again in Proverbs 12:22 it says, “Lying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight.”
When we use words that speak one thing while our heart thinks something else, we become untrustworthy to others. They sense our lack of sincerity and care towards them. While we think we are hiding something, they usually can sense our motives toward them are not love.
Proverbs 26:23-25 says, “Burning lips [uttering insincere words of love] and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel covered with the scum thrown off from molten silver [making it appear to be solid silver]. He who hates pretends with his lips, but stores up deceit within himself. When he speaks kindly, do not trust him, for seven abominations are in his heart.”
Sometimes, especially with family, it is tempting to follow along to keep the peace. We can fail to speak up because the other person has significance in our life and we don't want to risk the relationship. However, Jesus notes in the verses in Matthew 10 that “He who loves [and takes pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] me is not worthy of Me.”
We must always choose to stand on the side of the Lord. If my husband is sinning, it is not my responsibility to judge him. However, to simply go along with it and join in to keep our relationship smooth is not wise either.
As an example, this was especially difficult for me when I first came to the Lord and my husband did not know or want to know the Lord. I started making changes in my life and it bothered my husband. He wanted me to stay the same. One example is that watching the same movies didn't appeal to me anymore.
I tried to just go along for awhile and stay the same, but it wasn't who I was anymore. Ultimately, I had to make a choice who I was going to follow. It was greatly disappointing to my husband but he eventually started to accept and later even appreciate the changes I was making in my life. After awhile, he began to make changes in the same direction too.
Having Christ in our lives will impact the people around us who love and care about us. They may not appreciate or support the changes that we are making in ourselves. Knowing and following Christ creates division.
Commentary notes that the point Jesus was making in Matthew 10:35-37 was “that whenever individuals became His followers, their families would turn against them. A converted father would be opposed by his unbelieving son, a Christian mother by her unsaved daughter. A born again mother-in-law would be hated by her unregenerate daughter-in-law. So a choice must often be made between Christ and family. No ties of nature can be allowed to deflect a disciple from utter allegiance to the Lord. The Savior must take precedence over father, mother, son or daughter. One of the costs of discipleship is to experience tension, strife, and alienation from one’s own family. This hostility is often more bitter than is encountered in other areas of life.” [6]
Also, brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers in Christ will be impacted by us as we are following the Lord. Just because someone is a Christian, does not mean that we are going to agree or see things the same. We are called to speak the truth in love to our brother in a way that causes their growth (cutting away the flesh).
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
In the last days, Revelation 19:11-18 paints a picture of an open heaven and the army of God following behind Jesus on white horses while He leads them into battle with eyes a blaze like a flame of fire and a sharp twoedged sword going forth from His mouth which He can “smite the nations.” He then calls the birds of prey to gather together “for the great supper of God” where they feast on the flesh of men.
As noted in a previous blog, birds of prey coming to eat the flesh symbolize impending judgments by God against sin and unbelief. An example is Genesis 40:16-19 where the chief baker asks Joseph to interpret his dream. He tells Joseph that in his dream he had three baskets of baked goods on his head and birds of prey were eating out of the top basket. Joseph noted that the three baskets represented three days and told him that in three days he will be beheaded and hung on a tree where birds of prey will eat his flesh.
Revelation 19:17-18 says about the end times, “Then I saw a single angel stationed in the sun's light, and with a mighty voice he shouted to all the birds that fly across the sky, Come, gather yourselves together for the great supper of God. That you may feast on the flesh of rulers, the flesh of generals and captains, the flesh of powerful and mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all humanity, both free and slave, both small and great!”
The book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature that uses symbolic language to describe spiritual activity. The description of Jesus leading and the army of God with a machaira sword in His mouth and the judgments executed against sin and unbelief is a spiritual picture of what is going on during the end times.
The wrath of the enemy also increases in the end times because the enemy knows his time is short (Rev. 12:12). He pulls out all the stops and throws everything he has at us. In the last days we experience an increase in darkness.
2 Timothy 3:1-3, says that in the last days we will experience “perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]” and that people will be treacherous, rash, inflated, lovers of pleasure and vain amusements more than and rather than God.
Rather than compromise and become darkened in our hearts as the people around us, we are called to be holy, set-apart, and a lighthouse to the nations who sit in darkness. Rather than living in compromise, we will need to stand divided against others in their sin.
Mark Daniel writes, “There are two kingdoms -a kingdom of light and a kingdom of darkness. If you are a nation at war yet you act like you are not at war, you are going to be defeated. We are going around in a casual, loose, unworried kind of way, not realizing that we have an enemy that opposes us.” [7]
He goes on to write, We live in a dark world. We live where there are two powers at war, and if we do not choose the light and begin to resist the darkness, we feel ourselves struggling to survive. [8]
We must first use our sword on ourselves before we can use it on others. If we are living in darkness ourselves, we are not going to be able to help our brother get free either. We cannot shine as lights if we are covered in darkness or sitting back in complacency.
Mark Daniel writes, “We are meant to walk in the light as He is in the light. We have lowered and lowered and lowered the standards so that we allow darkness to hang around with us, and we have taken it lightly. [9]
However, as we raise the bar, it will begin to make those who are living by different standards uncomfortable. It will bring a dividing line between darkness and light. Often in areas I have had standards that are different from family and friends, it has brought division. Sometimes making others uncomfortable with their own standards by living by different ones, results in a negative reaction rather than change. They will try to tell me there is something wrong with my choice or me and get me to change back so they feel comfortable rather than change themselves.
The parallel in Luke 10:49-53 says in the context of the time of His return, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized and how greatly and sorely I am urged on (impelled, constrained) until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I have come to give you peace upon the earth? No, I say to you, but rather division; For from now on in one house there will be five divided [among themselves], three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Spiritual forces of darkness and light are constantly in opposition to each other. Proverbs 27:29 says, “The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.”
We are not to go along with others to fit in or make them feel comfortable in their complacency or sin. Rather we are to be willing to be divided. We need to choose loyalty to Jesus over those we love in the world. And as we use the sword of the Spirit first on ourselves, we can then also begin to use it on others in a way that sets them free.
Luke 14:26 says, “If anyone come to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparisons with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters -[yes] and even his own life also -he cannot be my disciple.”
Jesus says about the end times that nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in place after place. He notes that it is the beginning of the birth pangs (Matthew 24:7-8).
As the kingdom of light and kingdom of darkness oppose one another, He goes on to note that there will also be an increase in persecution. He notes, “Then they will hand you over to suffer affliction and tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred. And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:9-13)
Micah 7:6 says, “For the son dishonors the father, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law –A man's enemies are men (members) of his own house.”
And Jesus says in Matthew 10:21, “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and will have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake, but he who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved [from spiritual disease and death in the world to come].”
Daniel also speaks of some stumbling into darkness and falling away as times get more difficult and darkness and spiritual opposition increases while others stand strong and are purified in the midst of it. As darkness increases, it will become more difficult to sit on the fence in complacency. [10]
Daniel 11:32-35 says, “And such as violate the covenant he shall pervert and seduce with flatteries, but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]. And they who are wise and understanding among the people shall instruct many and make them understand, though some [of them and their followers] shall fall by the sword and flame, by captivity and plunder, for many days.
Now when they fall, they shall receive a little help. Many shall join themselves to them with flatteries and hypocrisies. And some of those who are wise, prudent, and understanding shall be weakened and fall, [thus, then, the insincere among the people will lose courage and become deserters. It will be a test] to refine, to purify, and to make those among [God's people] white, even to the time of the end, because it is yet for the time [God] appointed.”
Francis Frangipane writes, "During the last hours of this age, there will be two opposing factions in the world: those whose hearts are wrought with bitterness, resentment, and hatred; and those whose love has actually increased and who are experiencing the power of the kingdom of God." [11]
Darkness is a spiritual force that has power to deceive, confuse, and tempt us into greater sin, fear, and despair. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Mark Daniel writes, “This darkness out there -it is a force. The Bible tells us we struggle not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, and authorities and powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). It is not just the absence of light -it has the power to take us captive.” [12]
Mark Daniel notes several effects of darkness. He notes that it blinds us from seeing the things of God; It has the power to deceive us so we are confused or think the wrong things; It has the power to harden our hearts toward others so we fail to walk in love; It pushes us towards destruction [as we react such as offense, bitterness, and/or fear]; And it suffocates the life of God in us. [13]
He goes on to note that as we walk in the light as He is in the light, we will have freedom. He writes, “Darkness has the power to blind us, to suffocate life within us, to oppress, to hinder, to harden, to hold us in bondage, but God called us out of the darkness and brought us into the light so that we would be free to go forward. The light He gives extinguishes the darkness. If we hold onto the darkness we will not see, we will be blind, but if we come near to Him, we come into the light and the light will set us free.” [14]
“Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, O Ruler of all” sings.
Enoch and Noah were both someone who walked during a time of great darkness. However, rather than being overcome by the darkness around them, they both chose to walk in habitual fellowship with God (Genesis 5:24; 6:9). Amos 3:3 says, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”
Mark Daniel notes that it is our sin and disobedience that gives darkness entry. He also notes that we let darkness in through our mind as difficulties arise and we fall prey to the sin of discouragement, self-pity, fear, anxiety, insecurity and doubt. [15]
In that place of walking in the light in fellowship with Christ, we have the power to overcome darkness. Paul says in Romans 6:8 10-11 says, “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him... For the death He died, He died to sin [ending His relation to it] once for all; and the life that He lives, He is living to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him]. Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.”
Having been set free from sin, we have become the servants of righteousness (Romans 6:18). In walking in fellowship with Christ, we also have the power to love others and help set them free. 1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Lord, as the world becomes darker and darker, may we truly be Your light in the world. Hold tight to us and draw us near to walk in fellowship with You. Help us to not fall into the darkness all around us but overcome "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony and may we not love our lives as to shrink from death" (Revelation 12:11). Lead us and teach us how to use the sword of the Spirit in a way that brings freedom and cuts away the flesh, first on ourselves and then on others.
“The purest place, I will draw near, do what it takes to keep me here, in the center of your heart, the purest place is where You are” sings.
"They told you beforehand, in the last days (in the end time) there would be scoffers [who seek to gratify theri own unholy desires], following after their own ungoldy passions. It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions -merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life.
But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) -[which will bring you] unto life eternal.
And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt. [Stive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.
Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) beffore the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight] -To the one only God, our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (spledor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all tiem and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it)." Jude 18-25
a. There was a series of sermons done by Senior Pastor David Johnson at Church of the Open Door close to a year ago on the machaira sword. For more information on the machaira sword, see previous sermons at www.thedoor.org
1. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 2:613
2. Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996, S. G3162
3. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 2:613
4. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Mt 10:34
5. Church of the Open Door. ODWhispers: Open Door peeps listening for and responding to God's voice. Located at: http://twitter.com/#!/odwhispers. Entry Dated 9/11/13.
6. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Mt 10:34
7-10, 12-15. Daniel, Mark. The Effects of Darkness. World Trumpet Missions. Located at: http://www.worldtrumpetmissions.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Darkness-Article.pdf. Last Accessed: 9/13/11.
11. Frangipane, Francis. Shelter Of The Most High: Living your life under the divine protection of God. Charisma House, Lake Mary, FL. 2008
And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses; and there fell of the people that day about 3000 men. And Moses said [to the Levites, By your obedience to God's command] you have consecrated yourselves today as priests to the Lord, each man [at the cost of being] against his own son and his own brother, that the Lord may restore and bestow blessing upon you this day.” (Exodus 32:27-29)
Jesus says in Matthew 10:34-37 says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law –And a man's foes will be they of his own household. He who loves [and takes pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] me is not worthy of Me.”
And in Luke 22:36 Jesus said to His disciples, “But now let him who has a purse take it, and also [his provision] bag; and let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy a sword.”
The word sword that is used is the Greek word machaira, Strongs #3162. In the Hebrew it is chereb, Strongs #2719. It is a “short sword or dagger” that is double edged. [1] It is often used for cutting up flesh [2]. It is distinguished from a large sword that would be used to poke at someone or hit them from a distance. It requires one to come intimately near and use it with skill. [a]
The machaira sword is also associated with the Word of God. Once commentary includes the definition, “'the sword of the Spirit,' probing the conscience, subduing the impulses to sin. “ [3] Paul says in Ephesians 6:17 that we need to put on the whole armor of God which He supplies -which includes the “sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.” (Eph. 6:17.)
As commentary notes, the sword is a figure of speech. It is referring to the sword of the Spirit. [4] Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.”
Revelation 1:16 gives us a picture of Jesus with a machaira sword in His mouth, implying that He used it in the Words He spoke to others. It says, “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”
Too often the way we use a sword as more of a long sword where we stand back at a distance and pierce another through with our judgments for them not living up to our expectations.
Proverbs 12:18 says, “There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
To speak rashly means to lack due consideration. We can criticize or judge another and then think we are helping them to tell them about their fault when really we are causing them harm.
Jesus says in Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out to you.
Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother's eye but do not become aware of and considered the beam of timber that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye? You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother's eye.”
The machaira sword of the Spirit is meant to bring healing and not harm. We use it up close and intimate, bringing a word from God by the Spirit in a way that cuts away the flesh and brings healing. It is not our judgments upon another but the Word of truth that is given in love. It may hurt as our flesh is cut away, but ultimately it brings life.
Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “Open rebuke is better than love that is hidden. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are lavish and deceitful.”
Today on Twitter, at a site I follow called @Odwhispers, they presented some questions from Bill Hybels that can be used to help discern the spirit behind our words and actions.
It noted, “Ask God is this really from you? Does it match with God's character? Can you imagine Jesus saying it? Then wait.
Is it Scriptural? Does it violate the teaching of Scripture? Can you imagine Jesus doing it? When in doubt, ask.
Is it wise? Acting in wisdom doesn't mean there's no risk. But avoid acting quickly on life altering decisions.
Is it in tune with my own character? Your life has a trajectory, even in your mistakes. God made you to be you.
What do the people I most trust say? Gotta filter an important whisper through those who know you.” [5]
We are not called to destroy peace or destroy another person. We are always called to be peacemakers in everything we say and do. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous -with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
Sometimes we go in the opposite direction of judging or criticizing another and 'go along to get along'. We think we are of keeping the peace with others while really we are stuffing our feelings and growing in resentment. In reality, we are lying and manipulating others by pretending.
Proverbs 12:19-20 goes on to say, “Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy.
Again in Proverbs 12:22 it says, “Lying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight.”
When we use words that speak one thing while our heart thinks something else, we become untrustworthy to others. They sense our lack of sincerity and care towards them. While we think we are hiding something, they usually can sense our motives toward them are not love.
Proverbs 26:23-25 says, “Burning lips [uttering insincere words of love] and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel covered with the scum thrown off from molten silver [making it appear to be solid silver]. He who hates pretends with his lips, but stores up deceit within himself. When he speaks kindly, do not trust him, for seven abominations are in his heart.”
Sometimes, especially with family, it is tempting to follow along to keep the peace. We can fail to speak up because the other person has significance in our life and we don't want to risk the relationship. However, Jesus notes in the verses in Matthew 10 that “He who loves [and takes pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] me is not worthy of Me.”
We must always choose to stand on the side of the Lord. If my husband is sinning, it is not my responsibility to judge him. However, to simply go along with it and join in to keep our relationship smooth is not wise either.
As an example, this was especially difficult for me when I first came to the Lord and my husband did not know or want to know the Lord. I started making changes in my life and it bothered my husband. He wanted me to stay the same. One example is that watching the same movies didn't appeal to me anymore.
I tried to just go along for awhile and stay the same, but it wasn't who I was anymore. Ultimately, I had to make a choice who I was going to follow. It was greatly disappointing to my husband but he eventually started to accept and later even appreciate the changes I was making in my life. After awhile, he began to make changes in the same direction too.
Having Christ in our lives will impact the people around us who love and care about us. They may not appreciate or support the changes that we are making in ourselves. Knowing and following Christ creates division.
Commentary notes that the point Jesus was making in Matthew 10:35-37 was “that whenever individuals became His followers, their families would turn against them. A converted father would be opposed by his unbelieving son, a Christian mother by her unsaved daughter. A born again mother-in-law would be hated by her unregenerate daughter-in-law. So a choice must often be made between Christ and family. No ties of nature can be allowed to deflect a disciple from utter allegiance to the Lord. The Savior must take precedence over father, mother, son or daughter. One of the costs of discipleship is to experience tension, strife, and alienation from one’s own family. This hostility is often more bitter than is encountered in other areas of life.” [6]
Also, brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers in Christ will be impacted by us as we are following the Lord. Just because someone is a Christian, does not mean that we are going to agree or see things the same. We are called to speak the truth in love to our brother in a way that causes their growth (cutting away the flesh).
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
In the last days, Revelation 19:11-18 paints a picture of an open heaven and the army of God following behind Jesus on white horses while He leads them into battle with eyes a blaze like a flame of fire and a sharp twoedged sword going forth from His mouth which He can “smite the nations.” He then calls the birds of prey to gather together “for the great supper of God” where they feast on the flesh of men.
As noted in a previous blog, birds of prey coming to eat the flesh symbolize impending judgments by God against sin and unbelief. An example is Genesis 40:16-19 where the chief baker asks Joseph to interpret his dream. He tells Joseph that in his dream he had three baskets of baked goods on his head and birds of prey were eating out of the top basket. Joseph noted that the three baskets represented three days and told him that in three days he will be beheaded and hung on a tree where birds of prey will eat his flesh.
Revelation 19:17-18 says about the end times, “Then I saw a single angel stationed in the sun's light, and with a mighty voice he shouted to all the birds that fly across the sky, Come, gather yourselves together for the great supper of God. That you may feast on the flesh of rulers, the flesh of generals and captains, the flesh of powerful and mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all humanity, both free and slave, both small and great!”
The book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature that uses symbolic language to describe spiritual activity. The description of Jesus leading and the army of God with a machaira sword in His mouth and the judgments executed against sin and unbelief is a spiritual picture of what is going on during the end times.
The wrath of the enemy also increases in the end times because the enemy knows his time is short (Rev. 12:12). He pulls out all the stops and throws everything he has at us. In the last days we experience an increase in darkness.
2 Timothy 3:1-3, says that in the last days we will experience “perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]” and that people will be treacherous, rash, inflated, lovers of pleasure and vain amusements more than and rather than God.
Rather than compromise and become darkened in our hearts as the people around us, we are called to be holy, set-apart, and a lighthouse to the nations who sit in darkness. Rather than living in compromise, we will need to stand divided against others in their sin.
Mark Daniel writes, “There are two kingdoms -a kingdom of light and a kingdom of darkness. If you are a nation at war yet you act like you are not at war, you are going to be defeated. We are going around in a casual, loose, unworried kind of way, not realizing that we have an enemy that opposes us.” [7]
He goes on to write, We live in a dark world. We live where there are two powers at war, and if we do not choose the light and begin to resist the darkness, we feel ourselves struggling to survive. [8]
We must first use our sword on ourselves before we can use it on others. If we are living in darkness ourselves, we are not going to be able to help our brother get free either. We cannot shine as lights if we are covered in darkness or sitting back in complacency.
Mark Daniel writes, “We are meant to walk in the light as He is in the light. We have lowered and lowered and lowered the standards so that we allow darkness to hang around with us, and we have taken it lightly. [9]
However, as we raise the bar, it will begin to make those who are living by different standards uncomfortable. It will bring a dividing line between darkness and light. Often in areas I have had standards that are different from family and friends, it has brought division. Sometimes making others uncomfortable with their own standards by living by different ones, results in a negative reaction rather than change. They will try to tell me there is something wrong with my choice or me and get me to change back so they feel comfortable rather than change themselves.
The parallel in Luke 10:49-53 says in the context of the time of His return, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish that it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized and how greatly and sorely I am urged on (impelled, constrained) until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I have come to give you peace upon the earth? No, I say to you, but rather division; For from now on in one house there will be five divided [among themselves], three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Spiritual forces of darkness and light are constantly in opposition to each other. Proverbs 27:29 says, “The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.”
We are not to go along with others to fit in or make them feel comfortable in their complacency or sin. Rather we are to be willing to be divided. We need to choose loyalty to Jesus over those we love in the world. And as we use the sword of the Spirit first on ourselves, we can then also begin to use it on others in a way that sets them free.
Luke 14:26 says, “If anyone come to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparisons with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters -[yes] and even his own life also -he cannot be my disciple.”
Jesus says about the end times that nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in place after place. He notes that it is the beginning of the birth pangs (Matthew 24:7-8).
As the kingdom of light and kingdom of darkness oppose one another, He goes on to note that there will also be an increase in persecution. He notes, “Then they will hand you over to suffer affliction and tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred. And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:9-13)
Micah 7:6 says, “For the son dishonors the father, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law –A man's enemies are men (members) of his own house.”
And Jesus says in Matthew 10:21, “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and will have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake, but he who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved [from spiritual disease and death in the world to come].”
Daniel also speaks of some stumbling into darkness and falling away as times get more difficult and darkness and spiritual opposition increases while others stand strong and are purified in the midst of it. As darkness increases, it will become more difficult to sit on the fence in complacency. [10]
Daniel 11:32-35 says, “And such as violate the covenant he shall pervert and seduce with flatteries, but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]. And they who are wise and understanding among the people shall instruct many and make them understand, though some [of them and their followers] shall fall by the sword and flame, by captivity and plunder, for many days.
Now when they fall, they shall receive a little help. Many shall join themselves to them with flatteries and hypocrisies. And some of those who are wise, prudent, and understanding shall be weakened and fall, [thus, then, the insincere among the people will lose courage and become deserters. It will be a test] to refine, to purify, and to make those among [God's people] white, even to the time of the end, because it is yet for the time [God] appointed.”
Francis Frangipane writes, "During the last hours of this age, there will be two opposing factions in the world: those whose hearts are wrought with bitterness, resentment, and hatred; and those whose love has actually increased and who are experiencing the power of the kingdom of God." [11]
Darkness is a spiritual force that has power to deceive, confuse, and tempt us into greater sin, fear, and despair. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Mark Daniel writes, “This darkness out there -it is a force. The Bible tells us we struggle not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, and authorities and powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). It is not just the absence of light -it has the power to take us captive.” [12]
Mark Daniel notes several effects of darkness. He notes that it blinds us from seeing the things of God; It has the power to deceive us so we are confused or think the wrong things; It has the power to harden our hearts toward others so we fail to walk in love; It pushes us towards destruction [as we react such as offense, bitterness, and/or fear]; And it suffocates the life of God in us. [13]
He goes on to note that as we walk in the light as He is in the light, we will have freedom. He writes, “Darkness has the power to blind us, to suffocate life within us, to oppress, to hinder, to harden, to hold us in bondage, but God called us out of the darkness and brought us into the light so that we would be free to go forward. The light He gives extinguishes the darkness. If we hold onto the darkness we will not see, we will be blind, but if we come near to Him, we come into the light and the light will set us free.” [14]
“Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, O Ruler of all” sings.
Enoch and Noah were both someone who walked during a time of great darkness. However, rather than being overcome by the darkness around them, they both chose to walk in habitual fellowship with God (Genesis 5:24; 6:9). Amos 3:3 says, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”
Mark Daniel notes that it is our sin and disobedience that gives darkness entry. He also notes that we let darkness in through our mind as difficulties arise and we fall prey to the sin of discouragement, self-pity, fear, anxiety, insecurity and doubt. [15]
In that place of walking in the light in fellowship with Christ, we have the power to overcome darkness. Paul says in Romans 6:8 10-11 says, “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him... For the death He died, He died to sin [ending His relation to it] once for all; and the life that He lives, He is living to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him]. Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.”
Having been set free from sin, we have become the servants of righteousness (Romans 6:18). In walking in fellowship with Christ, we also have the power to love others and help set them free. 1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Lord, as the world becomes darker and darker, may we truly be Your light in the world. Hold tight to us and draw us near to walk in fellowship with You. Help us to not fall into the darkness all around us but overcome "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony and may we not love our lives as to shrink from death" (Revelation 12:11). Lead us and teach us how to use the sword of the Spirit in a way that brings freedom and cuts away the flesh, first on ourselves and then on others.
“The purest place, I will draw near, do what it takes to keep me here, in the center of your heart, the purest place is where You are” sings.
"They told you beforehand, in the last days (in the end time) there would be scoffers [who seek to gratify theri own unholy desires], following after their own ungoldy passions. It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions -merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life.
But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) -[which will bring you] unto life eternal.
And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt. [Stive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.
Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) beffore the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight] -To the one only God, our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (spledor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all tiem and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it)." Jude 18-25
a. There was a series of sermons done by Senior Pastor David Johnson at Church of the Open Door close to a year ago on the machaira sword. For more information on the machaira sword, see previous sermons at www.thedoor.org
1. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 2:613
2. Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996, S. G3162
3. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 2:613
4. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Mt 10:34
5. Church of the Open Door. ODWhispers: Open Door peeps listening for and responding to God's voice. Located at: http://twitter.com/#!/odwhispers. Entry Dated 9/11/13.
6. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Mt 10:34
7-10, 12-15. Daniel, Mark. The Effects of Darkness. World Trumpet Missions. Located at: http://www.worldtrumpetmissions.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Darkness-Article.pdf. Last Accessed: 9/13/11.
11. Frangipane, Francis. Shelter Of The Most High: Living your life under the divine protection of God. Charisma House, Lake Mary, FL. 2008
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