A note from our Pastor:

”Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Ephesians 6:16

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Now, in this week’s study verse, the Apostle shifts to a portion of the armor which was not worn on the body but was of vital importance. Among the soldiers of the day, there were two shields used. The first was a smaller and lighter shield which could be wielded in close quarters combat. The second was a much larger shield, often 2 1/2 feet wide by 4 feet tall. This shield could be planted in the ground and a soldier could hide behind it. Based on the word choice used by the Apostle it was this shield which he intended for this metaphor.

The Apostle begins the verse with “above all”. These words were not intended to imply the shield was of more importance than the rest of the armor. Rather, the Apostle was noting the duplicative nature of the shield. The soldier would already have the breastplate to protect his vital organs, the sandals with leg guards for his foundation, and a helmet for his head. Thus, the shield was not a first level of protection but rather an additional defense.

In his metaphor, the Apostle compares the shield to faith. What is the faith which is in consideration in this verse? The faith is almost a passive faith. Not passive as in weak, but passive in the sense the disciple stands still and trusts in God’s protection. This faith is a trusting in the will of God.

By exercising this faith, the disciple puts Jesus Christ in front of him or her and Jesus Christ therefore stands between the devil and the disciple. In essence, when this faith is called upon, or the shield set forth, Jesus Christ becomes the shield himself. In this case, the darts and arrows which the devil would cast do not make it to the disciple because Christ stops them.

If Christ becomes the shield for the disciple, then why the need for the rest of the armor? Why does the disciple need a breastplate, sandals, and a helmet? Is the protection of Christ imperfect? No, a thousand times no. But the faith of the disciple is incomplete and imperfect. Confidence becomes overwhelming and the shield is not always set forth. When this happens the wiles of the devil get through to the disciple but Christ has covered us with the armor of God to protect his people even when their faith is in imperfect.

As you journey today, trust in the power of Jesus Christ and the beauty of his will. Set forth the shield of faith and trust in the might of your Savior.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah