“A Prophetic Word” Day 57: Take up your Shield!

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,”

Ephesians 6:13-17 ESV

We know that Ephesians 6:16 says that our “shield” is faith and that with it, we can “extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”

Now, it seems that the shield referenced here, is a Roman Army shield, differing greatly from what we may envision when a shield is referenced. The Roman shield was meant to provide full body protection against arrows coming toward them. These shields were generally covered with animal skin that could be soaked in water so that when flaming arrows were shot, not only would the shield block the arrow from getting to the soldier, it would extinguish the fire of those arrows. Indeed, that’s the kind of shield formed when we walk in faith.

However, faith must have an object to have any real meaning. Faith is not just a nebulous positive/hopeful feeling. Faith is trust, assurance, and confidence, based on the object of our faith. Additionally, there must be a rationale as to why the object of our faith is deemed able to do what is needed.

In the case of the child of God, the object of our faith is a Person: our Lord. And, the rationale behind our faith is that we believe Jesus is Who He said He is and that He is able to supply all that we will ever need.

The Bible tells us that the Lord is a shield to those who take refuge in Him:

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”

Proverbs 30:5 ESV

“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

Psalm 18:30 ESV

“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.”

Psalm 3:3, 5-6 ESV

The point we seek to emphasize here: A shield, we don’t wield, is no good to us! We take up that shield of faith by truly believing in the Lord Jesus Christ: believing what He has done for us on the cross, as well as what He continues to do for us at the right hand of all power.

Yes, Jesus made a way for us to enter the very presence of God. Not only that, our Savior is securing our eternal position even now by sitting in a place that He will turn over to us.

Again, in the here and now, faith in Jesus is the shield that protects us from all of the fiery darts, or assaults, of the enemy. Wishing we had protection, hoping we have protection, even praying for protection, will not establish the shield around us. Only in reaching and taking the shield—by placing our faith in Jesus Christ— will we be secure. Otherwise, those “flaming darts” may take the day.

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

1 John 5:4 ESV

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!