In preparation to write, I spend time studying the scriptures I am using before I begin the devotion. I look at the verse in several translations and review the context in which the scripture is written, and often this will lead to a word study. The word for today’s focus is “shield.” This word is used 45 times throughout the bible in a total of 44 verses. And almost always, it is used metaphorically to represent the protection of God. I especially relate to the verse in Psalm 91 where the writer declares that the faithfulness of God is his rampart and shield. While the psalmist confesses the faithfulness OF God, Paul uses the phrase “shield of faith” as part of his instruction to us to put on the whole armor. Paul intends to assure us that faith IN God is the powerful defense against the evil one.
The 16th verse starts out by telling us, “in addition to all of these.” These being to the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of the gospel. We are now moving to the more engaging portions of the armor. In Roman times, shields often were about half the length of a man and had a bronze or iron handle for a soldier to grasp and secure with His grip during a battle. The shield was constructed of many layers of wood glued together, covered with leather, and usually adorned with metal emblems. This enabled the soldier to be able to draw his sword on the offense in the fight while he continued to use the other hand to grasp his shield to defend himself, usually against stones or flaming arrows. In the heat of the battle, it was not an either-or choice, like just holding up the shield or just the draw the sword. The armor was designed to work so that the soldier could function at the highest level possible. A well-trained soldier knew he could not advance and subdue the enemy without the shield. Prior to a battle, the soldier would soak his shield in water. Though the shield already weighed around 20 lbs, the additional weight of the sodden leather was well worth the work, as flaming arrows would be extinguished on contact with the wet shield.
Now, when I reflect on the prior Ephesian passages that warn me that I battle against evil forces of principalities and powers as Paul described, it becomes all the more critical that I understand the importance of faith in God and the faithfulness of God. I will never defeat a spiritual enemy by natural means. There is no clever plan or intellectual strategy, no self-made weapons of my own experience that can shield me like faith in the promise-keeping, all-powerful, death-defeating sovereign Lord of the universe. When I try to engage in battle and attempt to outthink, outwait, and outsmart the enemy on my own, I will lose every time. And the whole time, I am self-indulging in my pride that I can do it in my strength; the enemy is firing arrows at me. He will fire thoughts at my mind to convince me God has abandoned me or forgotten my plight. He will pummel my conscience and convey the message I am due these wounds because I am not worthy of being protected because of past failures. If I don’t take cover, I will begin to believe I am not worthy of being loved by a Holy God. Suppose I don’t hold up the shield of faith and let the only faithful God cover me with His unwavering protection. In that case, the enemy’s flaming arrows will set my heart on fire with deceit, and my mind will carry the constant embers of doubt and temptation to rebel. Any joy I might gain will always be singed with disappointment. Instead of my life being a sweet incense of testimony to the Lord of His love and faithfulness, any potential He has granted me for victory will go up in a puff of smoke.
However, if I put on the Armor of the Lord and put up the shield of faith before me, I will not only be able to stand in the truth, but I can advance and make progress for the kingdom. I can bring honor and glory to His name and live the abundant life He has promised me. I can face moving forward without fear. I can experience a constant state of confidence and joy. I can be content, even in the midst of battle. I can know that He loves me and protects me because of who HE is, not because I have to earn it. With the Lord as a shield out front, blows can be struck, and the enemy can be defeated. Good can actually overcome evil. The goodness of God that He has imparted to me as His child can saturate the culture around me and make a difference in this world and the lives of the people around me.
I must admit, many times, I have pridefully dressed for battle and carelessly underestimated the role a shield of strong faith can play in life in this world. The scriptures tell us to live by faith in Romans 1:17. Abraham could not have ever experienced the relational covenant God made with him without believing God when He promised, “Do not fear Abraham, I am a shield to you, and your reward shall be very great.” (Genesis 15:10.) The psalmist declares, “the Lord is our help and our shield, our soul waits for the Lord.” Deuteronomy 33 asks Israel, “Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, Who is the shield of your help?: And Proverbs promises that “God is a shield to those who take refuge in HIm.”
Today, Lord, as I face battle like you said I would, let me grasp the shield of faith you have given me. Let me, with every fiber of my being, be committed to hold it up, ever before me. Let the shield of my faith be soaked in your living water, and let the enemies’ arrows be extinguished on contact. Lord, I give you thanks and bless your name for how thorough and timely your protection is. Thank you that I am never, ever out from underneath it. Lord, help me take cover.
Return to the vineyard where next time we put on the helmet of Salvation as the series “The Wardrobe” continues.
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