Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… (Ephesians 6:14a)
Soldiers wore a belt for a number of reasons. But the most important was this… to have somewhere to hang their sword.
Most of us would rather talk about the Sword of the Spirit, and say that we need to know our Bible to use it. The Sword is much cooler than the belt.
But have you ever tried to carry one?
Those things were not light. If you tried to carry your sword in your hand for a full-day march to face the enemy, your arm would be so tired when you got there, you wouldn’t be able to lift it.
In the same way, we need to have the knowledge of God’s truth to hang our knowledge of his word on. Otherwise we might get tired.
One of the first things Satan always attacks with is doubt.
- “Did God really say you couldn’t have the apple?”
- “Surely God won’t mind if you turn some stone into bread?”
- “The Bible is old, it doesn’t really mean you can’t….”
We need to keep reminding ourselves that the Word (The Sword) is God’s truth, and inspired for us today.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”
(1 Timothy 3:16-17)
We need to know the Truth of this. The Truth that allows us to hang the Sword when it gets too heavy for us. When we don’t know what to believe, we don’t have to worry. We have decided in our minds (and hearts) that God’s Word is TRUTH. So we have something to hang our weapon on.
A place to hang our sword--- I like that. I was thinking of a belt mainly to hold up pants or even a girdle to, well, you know. A place to hang our sword. I'll have to remember that! :-)
ReplyDeleteStay tuned, we shall get to those.
ReplyDeleteWell.... some of them. :-)