Henry VIII is the most well-known of the British kings. When he died on January 28, 1547, his nine-year-old son Edward took the throne. At Edward’s coronation, three swords were presented to him as symbols of the three kingdoms that he would rule over. Upon their presentation, the boy king cried out, “There is a sword that is wanting.” Quietness fell over the ceremony as the officials looked at each other, not understanding what young Edward meant. When they finally asked him what sword was missing, he replied, “The Bible.”

 

This sword is still missing from many governments today. Leaders wield the swords of party and popularity, but not the most important sword of all (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17). Decisions are made on a daily basis with little or no regard for what the word of God says. Let’s make sure that we do not forget this sword in governing our own daily affairs.