March 23: INFLUENCE

He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. Revelation 1:16

Stars, messengers, and angels are influential. They are light-bearing leaders. Terms for these are used interchangeably in certain passages of Scripture. Jesus holds in His right hand the pastors of the churches (v.20) and intends their influence to be a positive force for good in our evil world. Your pastor is vitally interested in the development of your character; and not only for your sake but for the sake of others you may influence toward Jesus. The Lord’s salvation is the only unrivaled cure for every sin, every deficiency, sickness, and evil.

Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Light and truth actually symbolize each other. Whenever we have questions, doubt, or need of guidance, it is in looking to Jesus, the Source of both truth and light, that answers are found. His face, or countenance, is brilliant with the light of love, all wisdom, and the assurance borne of righteousness and truth. His face is compared to the noonday sun, shining in its strength.

Out of His mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword. Notice that this sword is not in His hand, as a physical weapon. It is a sharp, two-edged sword of words. Ideas. His words to us are accompanied by the life-giving breath of His Holy Spirit. “The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63) His precious words convict hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the individual’s response to that conviction (compare Acts 2:37 and 7:54) that determines his or her eternal direction: either sin is cut out of a person’s life or the sinner’s life is cut off. Our Creator is also the final judge.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

For further study: Psalm 147:15; Malachi 4:2; John 17:17; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12

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