Saturday 14 April 2012

Shield of Faith

The Bible talks about the shield of faith. Have you ever wondered why our faith is our shield? Recently, I have. And some of the enlightenment I received makes for an interesting development...

As we all know, the shield is a defensive weapon. Warriors carry it into battle to provide protection against enemy attacks. The shield helps to deflect potential attacks away. It can also catch the offensive weapon, allowing the warrior to parry and attack in response. Just like in our life, our faith leads us past potential mistakes and troubles. At times, it will catch the attack and allow us to respond; attacking the issue with the sword of the Spirit. Of course, we will have to carry it into battle. We need to hold it up and use it.

Interestingly, the shield is also an offensive weapon. As Pr. Kenneth puts it, we can move forward as the shield of faith deflects potential attacks. The shield deflects, we then can move forward. If you can't imagine how, think of how riot police move forward. While protesters try to attack them, the police put up their riot shield and are able to march forward. Soon, the riot would be dispersed. Another illustration of shields in attack is that used by Captain America. Hey, who doesn't get excited when he throws the thing?! Notice how it will fly through the air and knocks out the enemy. Because of our faith, we can knock the enemy away. Remember that when we pray, we pray by faith; seeking to break down enemy strongholds, breaking chains of bondage.

Lastly, the shield is used for battle identification. Armies of old march into battle with their allegiance painted on their shields. Shields are used in coat of arms. As we profess our faith, we nail our colours to the cross. We identify that our faith comes from God alone. It shows our dependance on Him and ultimately, that's what will help us breakthrough.

You know how sometimes we just don't have a logical answer, when we just have to say we have faith it will happen? I used to fret over whether we can defend our faith with logic. Then I realize that sometimes, saying that we move just due to faith is the best answer we ever have.

By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. - Heb 11:33-34