“A determined heart”


BIBLE READING: Revelation 18, Luke 2, Matthew 1, Revelation 19-20
                                                                                
            In ancient history there is a story of a valiant captain whose banner was almost always first into the fight; whose sword was dreaded by his enemies, for it was the herald of slaughter and victory.  His king once asked to see the sword.  He took it, quietly examined it, and then sent it back with this message: “I see nothing wonderful in this sword.  I cannot see why any man should be afraid of it.”  The captain sent this response: “Your Majesty has been pleased to examine the sword; but I did not send the arm that wielded it.  If you had examined that, and the heart that guided the arm, you would have understood the mystery.”  This is a fitting illustration of the victorious believer.  The world looks at the story of Jesus’s birth, death, and resurrection and sees nothing special about such a story.  However, the Christian has a heart that remains determined and the heat of battle has not weakened his resolve.  He shares in the “first resurrection” and awaits eternity’s rewards!


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