The Sharp Sword of His Mouth

This morning I reflected on how differently the armies of heaven announce the first and second coming of Christ.

The angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth
to those with whom God is pleased.”
(Luke 2:13-14) 

At the First Coming, the angels announce peace on earth. God's mercy had come to us, in the flesh, as a gentle baby, to atone for our sins. Contrast with that the announcement of His Second Coming:

A great multitude in heaven shouting:
“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
for true and just are His judgments.
He has condemned the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
He has avenged on her the blood of His servants.”
(Revelation 19:1-2) 

The next time time Jesus comes, it will be in power to judge and condemn the people of earth. He will take revenge on those who tortured and murdered His servants. He comes on a white horse with the armies of heaven following Him. He will wage war. He will destroy His enemies and cast them out of the earth. 

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose Rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war. The armies of heaven were following Him... Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. (Revelation 19:11, 14, 15) 

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the Rider on the horse and His army. But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet ... The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 

The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the Rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. (Revelation 19:19-21) 

It will be a blood bath. 

Jesus will decisively concur evil. There will be no prolonged battle. Victory will come in an instant. What will Jesus use to accomplish this? The sword of His mouth! With His words, He created the heavens and the earth. With His mouth He will speak to evil and it will be cast out. God's Truth overcomes lies. God's light overcomes darkness.

It will not be pretty. It sounds incredibly gory actually. But it will be GOOD.  

In His first coming, Jesus provided a way, a door, into the kingdom of heaven. He purchased it at great price, by His own suffering and blood. He offers it to all of us. Just by saying yes, He will cleanse us from our sin and provide the Holy Spirit who will continue to stay near and transform us. The Spirit will make us ready to meet our King face to face. 

But before Christ meets His bride, the Church, He must make a place suitable for her. He must wipe out all evil. And so when He does, the waiting is over and the heavens sing... 

“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and His bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”
(Revelation 19:6-8)  

Beloved, I too will be shouting praises in heaven when evil is conquered and You are victorious. But until then, remind me to continue to submit to the Spirit as He transforms me. Remind me to continue to pray for family and friends to say yes to You and Your kingdom. You are good in Your mercy and in Your judgment. You are good and I trust You.