In the beginning, God's connection with man was as usual and close as talking with a friend. God used to walk in the Garden of Eden and converse with man, until the day he sinned. Then God looked for him, but he no longer answered,
"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:8-9
Then God took the man out of the garden,
“So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life." Genesis 3:24
Imagine that you are Indiana Jones and your mission is to find the Garden of Eden. After going through many journeys and vicissitudes, you manage to be there, right at the entrance that is to the east of the garden; and in front of you, you see some cherubs and the flaming sword! What would you do? - I bet you would take a selfie ;)
What if that sword is not there to take us away from Eden, but to give us entrance, only to those who are "worthy" to wield it?
I imagine the hero of the story, in the best style of "King Arthur" taking the sword by the hands in the presence of everyone, and when he makes his way in the middle of the cherubs, he sees God next to a stream; who immediately runs to hug him (Lk 15:20).
What if this sword is the same one that Paul spoke of?:
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” Ephesians 6:17
The sword in the Bible, in the symbolic context, is a representation of the word of God.
Well now,
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17
In the original “hearing” is “akoē” - used to refer to inner (spiritual) hearing upon receiving faith from God (Ro 10:17), that is, a spiritual hearing that discerns the voice of God (see also Gal 3:2, 5, text gr).
Did you know that Hebrew is read from right to left? Romans 10:17 applies in this same order. When we read or listen to the word of God, we are taking into our hands the double-edged sword that gives us entrance to the garden of God; then, suddenly our spiritual ear begins to tune in to the sound of God's voice, we again discern his voice and as a result of hearing his thoughts about us and his vision about our future, Faith is produced in our hearts, and we feel his hug.
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
If you feel that you have lost your connection with God, and want to listen to him, you have a double-edged sword at your disposal. Download this App and start today!
Go to your church and listen it through your pastor. Read your Bible every day, pray, fast. Make a recurring appointment with Jesus, every relationship requires quality time and He is there, in the garden He created for you, waiting for you every day.
Eternal life is today! It is a life of daily friendship with Christ.
“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
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