The Shield and Sword

As a child, I remember the days when I would make a shield out of a pillow and, armed with a cardboard tube from wrapping paper, I would set off to slay my enemy with great fervour. My brother and I would spend hours playing swords and pretend to be some great warrior practicing for battle. Over the course of the battle, one of us would strike the other with great gusto only to have our sword bend and break, usually over the other’s head. This was not a problem as we always had tape available to splint the sword back together and the game would carry on. Over the years, we graduated from pillows and cardboard tubes to branches and garbage can lids. I can still hear my mother “you two be careful…it’s always funny until someone loses an eye!”

Neither of us lost an eye but we did learn that if you wanted to keep from some nasty marks on your arms and torso you always relied on the shield to protect from the onslaught. This is the symbolism of the shield when we speak of the Armour of God. The shield is designed to protect and deflect. When used appropriately the shield could deflect the blow to the side and the bearer would be safe from the onslaught of blows from arrows, stones and swords. As the weapons improved, so did the shields so that the protection would meet or exceed the needs. This is the way it is with the Shield of protection. The more that is thrown our way, the larger and more secure the protection. The more we lean on God for our protection, the more we trust in His ways, the larger we realize His scope of protection. We can also be assured that the more passionate we become in delivering His message, the more the enemy is going to take note and the more he will throw our way but His was is infinitely more powerful than anything the enemy can even dream.

With the shield of faith, the sandals of readiness, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness and the belt of truth all in place, we are now prepared to push forward with the one piece of kit that is meant to not only defend but also to fight with; the Sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God. His word is strong and perfect. His word is to be laid out before all mankind so that the nation will know the true message; God is King! This Sunday, we are going to look at the fullness of the Armour of God and how He is with us whether we understand it or not. Until then, remember to put on the full armour and go confidently into the world knowing that His protection is perfect.

Shalom

Pastor Todd