Am I ready to Take-up the Sword for the sake of Jesus Christ?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

15^th Week – Monday

Gospel –Matthew 10: 34 - 11:1

 

“Am I ready to Take-up the Sword for the sake of Jesus Christ?”

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword Mt 10:34

1) The Speciality of Sword in the Bible

a) “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17

b) “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” Hebrews 4:12

c) 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. Revelation 1:16.

d) Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. – Revelation 2:16

e) He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Luke 22:36

2) Different Meanings of the Sword from the above references

·         The sword of the Spirit – Which can be understood as the Power of the Spirit. The power of the Spirit is equal to the power of the Sword

·         The Sword of the Word of God - sharper than any two edged Sword, which is mentioned in the letter to the Hebrews

·         Out of his mouth went a sharp two edged Sword - The Spoken word is very powerful  like the two edged sword which can cut anything

·         The sword of my mouth: The mouth or the Tongue is considered equal to the two edged sword. Our Tongue is so powerful   

·         If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one – A sword is an instrument of defence which can be used for self-defence

3) Jesus’ Sword is not made up of Metal

a) The moment we hear about the sword we get the idea of the Metal thing which is used for various purposes. Some of the example may be following

·         Sword is used for cutting something

·         Sword is used for killing some one

·         Sword is used to threaten some one

·         Sword is used for war

·         Sword is also used for self-defence

b) Jesus’ Sword is not made up any metal things and it is not used for the above mentioned purposes. The purpose of Jesus’ Sword goes far beyond from the above mentioned things

c) Jesus’ Sword is more powerful than any other worldly sword. There is nothing in the world (Worldly Things) which can be compared with the sword of Jesus

4) Some of the Examples of Jesus’ Sword

a) The sword of Forgiveness: One of the Powerful swords of Jesus, which has changed the lives of many and this sword has killed the concepts of anger, revenge and arrogance

b) The Sword of the Word of God: This was and is a Double edged Sword which has succeed in killing the despair, anxiety, defeat, hopelessness, etc

c) The Cross - A Powerful Sword: This Sword has killed the death, Slavery of Sin, division, Worldly power and authority. On the contrary this sword has given us new life, eternal life, the chance to become the children of God, to lead a holy life.

d) The Sword of Prayer: Jesus has used this sword extensively in every situation, which has the quality of producing the definite results. Jesus has not only used this Sword but also asked his disciples to use it in every situation.

e) The Sword of Loving ones enemies: One of the Powerful swords to defeat the enemy. This is considered to be, one of the best and easiest ways of defeating the enemies

f) The Swords of generosity, humility, care, concern, Peace,  were very powerful  in the life and ministry of Jesus

g) The Sword of Truth: This was one of the powerful Swords which ruled the entire world and leads everyone to enlightenment and new life

h) The Sword of Healing: Which healed many people from their sickness and brought a new life and Hope

5) Am I ready to Use these Swords in my life?

·         All these swords were very powerful in the life Jesus. Jesus was able to achieve his mission because of these above swords.

·         Unless we have these above swords we cannot protect ourselves from many of the things, that attach us to destroy our lives

·         All the saintly persons used these swords to achieve their goals and to grow in holiness

·         Now the question is Am I Ready to use the above swords?

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

 

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore