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Response
The book of Revelation is filled with symbolism right from the first chapter, as evident in Revelation 1:16, “In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” The individual mentioned is Jesus, appearing in a form different from His earthly manifestation. The seven stars in Jesus’ right hand represent the “angels of the seven churches” (verse 20). But what does the sharp, double-edged sword coming out of His mouth signify?
The explanation can be found in Hebrews 4:12, which declares, “For the word of God is alive 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” cf: Ephesians 6:17. The ancient Romans used the two-edged sword as a powerful offensive weapon, and a symbolic sword is depicted in both Hebrews and Revelation. This two-edged sword symbolizes Christ’s authority and judgment, holding humanity responsible, even delving into our thoughts.
Do we often envision Jesus as a warrior brandishing a two-edged sword? Sadly, no. Our inclination is to transform Jesus into a less “threatening” figure, preferring a nonjudgmental being who will approve all our actions. However, such a deity would lack qualities like goodness, holiness, justice, and love. Justice is a positive attribute, and we should anticipate a good God to assign His creatures responsibility and to hold us answerable. God’s Word discloses His standard, our duties, and our failings. It cuts through our facade of virtue, revealing us as the rebels we are, and assures that we will face a fair punishment. While we readily accept the idea of God’s justice when thinking of individuals like Hitler, we are hesitant to acknowledge the sobering reality that we will also be judged. Against the divine standard, we inevitably fall short «for all have sinned, and come shoPart of the glory of God; », (Romans 3:23). That’s why we need a Savior.
Perhaps we need the image of the Living Word with the double-edged sword to better appreciate the crucified Messiah. Jesus was not a revolutionary like the Maccabee brothers, nor was He a failed Messiah like Simon bar Kokhba. Rather, the Creator came down to live among His creation, taking on an inferior nature to die a criminal’s death for our sake (Philippians 2:6-11). The gospel is made more amazing when we understand who the Son of God is, not just in His incarnation but far beyond our ability to bear. Even John, who knew Jesus on earth, fell at Jesus’ feet and became immobile at the sight of Jesus in His glory «And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: », (Revelation 1:17).
The image of the two-edged sword also helps us grasp the Bible’s value. This book we carry around and even have on our devices is powerful and sharp and comes from the very mouth of our Lord. Heroes such as William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, and Jan Hus worked through much opposition for us to hold this weapon in our hands. The Word of God holds formidable power and is capable of transforming us at our core. What a privilege to have it in our possession!
