"Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands -- to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with shackles and their leaders with iron chains, to execute the judgment written against them. This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!" Psalm 149:6-9
Many times I will read a passage like this one and think in physical terms. In Old Testament times, God often used physical battle to accomplish His purposes - to bring punishment to a wicked nation, to demonstrate His glory. But as I was reading this passage yesterday, I began to understand the spiritual applications of this passage. As God's ambassadors on this earth, we are to be advancing the Kingdom. Jesus said in Matthew 6:10 that we should pray "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." According to this passage, God's will on earth is that judgment would come to the wicked and righteousness would prevail. Christians do not accomplish this through physical weapons, but through spiritual weapons.
First, we begin with praise. The praises of God should be in our mouths. When we open our mouths, our words should bring forth glory and honor to the King Whom we claim to represent. James states in chapter three verse ten that blessing and cursing should not flow from the same mouth. Our words need to draw others to God, not turn them away. Many in the world have turned away from the Gospel because of the mouths of Christians. It is vital that we remember as God's ambassadors on this earth we speak not merely for ourselves, rather we speak for the King.
Secondly, this passage states that we have a sharp sword in our hands. The Word of God is described in the Hebrews 4:12 as "quick and powerful, 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." Many times we use the Word of God to cut people, to attack people, to beat them over the head, but this is not how God intended for us to use this weapon. To use a weapon properly, we need to be trained in how to handle it. When it comes to the Word of God, we need to study the Word, meditate on the Word, live the Word, and pray the Word. That is how we effectively use our sword. When Christians really know God's Word, when it is a living, breathing part of their life, when they are battling on their needs in prayer using God's Word and not their own words, then we see God's will on earth as it is in Heaven.
I love the last part of this verse: "...This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones..." What a privilege, what an honor, to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords. I cannot fathom any higher calling than to be in service of the King, to be called His faithful one. Being a Christian should not be looked on as a duty, but a special selection, a privilege, a high appointment that we humbly accept.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that I would be busy about Your business. Many times we get caught up in things here on earth that really do not matter. Help me to remember why You have placed me here and what You have called me to do. I pray that I would advance Your kingdom on this earth, that I would be a warrior in prayer, praying Your Word and seeing Your will accomplished. It is such a privilege and honor to be counted as your faithful one, to be called into service for the King. I pray I would not take it lightly, but that I would be faithful in what You have called me to do and that I would bring delight to Your heart. In the precious Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
