The Sword, Part 1

How long has it been since your last sword fight? Mine occurred during a visit to my seven-year-old nephew’s house. He handed me a [plastic] sword, and with squinting eyes and curled lip, sneered, “On guard, Uncle Pres.”

I dropped to my knees to even our heights. He danced, and bobbed, and whooped of imminent victory with every successful lunge toward my midsection.

But that’s enough about child’s play. How long has it been since you drew the sword of the Spirit from its scabbard and fought for real?

Ephesians 6:10-17 details the armor of God by saying it is to be used in fighting against “the world forces of this darkness,” and “spiritual forces of wickedness.” In all ways but one, Paul lists defensive armament.

And then, after the Believer is fully prepared for battle, he places an offensive capability in his hand: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17).

The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, is devoted to the use of the word of God, the sword of the Spirit. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word” (v. 9). “Your word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against You” (v. 11). “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (v. 105). “The sum of Your word is truth” (v. 160).

I envision the scabbard of this sword as the leather covers around the Bible. Within its nearly 1200 pages, we are trained for battle and infused with power to charge the enemy’s lines.

Next, in Part 2, are a few thoughts about confidence in battle.