The Pure Word

Revelation 2:12-13 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live – where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city – where Satan lives.”
 
REVELATION has many symbols of Jesus’ authority and sovereignty. In this text, for example, Jesus referred to his authority for the second time as him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. Do you find it difficult to visualize Jesus, the Good Shepherd, wielding a sword? Swords are vicious weapons. How does that coincide with seeing the Bible as God’s love story, pointing to his comfort, love, peace and eternal life? Would people read the Bible if they were told, “Open your double-edged Sword each morning and hear of your sin, God’s justice and God’s mercy.”
   But isn’t this the right approach if we are to understand God’s deep, eternal love for us? Remember that God’s comfort and salvation is the result of Jesus’ double-edged sword. He first loved us even as sinners to call us to himself. He has battled Satan and is victorious over death. Jesus is a Warrior for you. When you know your sin, you confess it and you repent of it, the Lord’s blood shed on the cross continually cuts away your sins. He protects you from destruction. Yes, Jesus must wield his sword against sin, so  you can stand safely with him.  
   There was a great challenge to the authority of God’s Word in Pergamum. When Jesus says, “I know where you live.” he assures his church that he knows the threats around them. They live in a demonic stronghold. Pergamum was an area capital of the Roman government. Rome’s emperor is considered a god to be worshiped. Also Pergamum was the home of four idol-worshiping cults. When Jesus says, “city where Satan has his throne” he speaks against the idolatry attempting to infect his church.
   Our Lord commends the church for remaining faithful amid these pagan forces. Their faith had held true even as cult worshipers killed Antipas, one who was faithful to Jesus.
   The one who wields the two-edged sword will not tolerate any blemish on his church. He will destroy the church’s enemies. He will preserve and defend his faithful.  
 
Prayer: Lord, there are many demonic strongholds around us. Let us boldly attack the enemy with the authority of your Word. Amen.