Piercing Words

Sword swallowing has been around for hundreds of years. Performers must carefully lean their heads back and pass the sword through the mouth and down the esophagus to the stomach. Swallowing a sword is dangerous; nearly 30 people have died from attempting the feat in the last 100 years.

The opening description in today’s passage sounds strange. While a sword does not go into Christ’s mouth, “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword.” What could this mean? A sword represents the power of God’s Word. In keeping with the judgment focus of this chapter, the Bible confirms, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

We often underestimate the potency of the words of God. Unlike a high-school textbook on math, a dictionary, or an encyclopedia, God’s Word carries incredible creative power. “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth” (Psalm 33:6).

Yet when Christ speaks, His words can also destroy the nations. A rod of unbreakable iron rules with justice and carries out righteousness that will “smite”—that is, eternally end—Babylon. Such assurance has already been described as treading grapes in a winepress (Revelation 14:19, 20).

Why does Christ’s thigh have the name “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”? The thigh has been associated with making a covenant or agreement. (See Genesis 24:2, 9; 47:29.) Jesus has made a promise to come back (John 14:1–3) and is fulfilling His commitment as “the great prince who stands watch” for “at that time your people will be delivered” (Daniel 12:1).

Dear Lord, may I live each day by Your living Word. I rest assured that you will come back to deliver me.

For Further Study: Isaiah 11:4; 1 Corinthians 15:24, 25; Ephesians 6:17

Key Bible Texts

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (Revelation 19:15 KJV)