SHIELD

Many forms of weaponry are mentioned throughout the biblical text. While some are employed for defensive measures, and others are primarily used for offense, a few are used to demonstrate God’s character and help believers understand the significance of His power, His Word, and His Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.

Consider the reference to shields found in the scripture. One is the Hebrew word, “tsinnah,” a large heavy shield designed to protect and guard the whole body. You may recall that in the case of Goliath, his shield was actually even carried by another person. The second shield is the Hebrew word, “maghen,” which was a much smaller device used by groups of soldiers that had to move quickly like archers, cavalry, and those in close combat situations. Figuratively, these shields illustrate God’s protection, God’s truth, and His provision of salvation. Psalm 18:30 speaks clearly of our Lord’s continuous and inexorable protection:

As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

A third shield, the Greek word “thureos” is introduced by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:16 which is familiar to most believers.

“In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

This reference describes a Roman or Greek shield regularly used by an attacking or besieging army to defend themselves against arrows, flaming arrows, darts, stones, and flaming touches launched mechanically or thrown by those being besieged (the defenders).

In this consideration, the New Testament shield, while used to protect the individual soldier, was an essential and critical tool used during an advancing army’s assault on the enemy. Spiritually speaking, we often discuss the divinely empowered weapons of our warfare, yet fail to identify this portion of God’s armor as part of an offensive strategy. In fact we put on the whole armor of God to go out offensively and defeat the enemy! God’s armor is for advancing – for assaulting and attacking the enemy. We are not to be found sitting back, hoping and praying that our defensive positions will hold. Successful spiritual warfare means going after the enemy – moving forward with an offensive assault.

According to II Corinthians 10:4, aren’t we are called to “the destruction of fortresses?” How does one destroy the fortresses of our enemy without launching an assault or attack on those fortresses? God’s armor is provided for the battles we must fight, and every piece is essential for victory.

A soldier with a very sharp and effective sword still needs the protection that the armor provides. In fact, it would be foolish for one of God’s soldiers to enter the battle without the proper protective gear and a sharp, effective, offensive weapon. The Sword of God’s Spirit which is the Word of God must be wielded in battle to overcome and defeat the enemy, but just imagine the casualties, the body count, if there was no faith in Christ/God, no Shield of Faith, and no protection for the saints.

Imagine yourself, out on the battlefield, engaging in combat, attacking the enemy, standing firm on the ground you’ve gained, yet you’ve failed to “put on the full armor of God!” (See Ephesians 6:11) Wonder how long one could survive?

Just think about it! — Pastor Frank