Yup, I have a shield (Faith), but I also have a sword (The Word). Gotta use both, not just "circle the wagons" or "hunker down." Gotta be on offense.
The “sword and shield” imagery has taken hold of my thoughts since my Nicaragua trip. So much so, that I told Eric about getting ahold of the movies “300” and “Gladiator” since I’m a visual-Learner-type.
Anyway, as some have been taking arrows this week (my self included), one image that stands out is in how the shields were used in Gladiator in the final scenes, just before Maximus and Commodus fight. (On a personal note, I’m glad I’m not named Commodus - sounds too much like “commode,” which is another term for a toilet…I digress).
After Commodus and Maximus get on a platform below the arena floor, Commodus takes a cheap shot at Maximus, stabbing him in the side, no doubt allowing a pneumothorax (“collapsed lung” that causes pressure to build in the chest and around the organs impairing function of that heart also - which just might be needed when in the fight of your life!)
The platform is raised to the arena level, and as it’s raised, the troops surrounding Commodus and Maximus close ranks, raise their shields, forming, in effect, walls and even a roof over the two warriors (well, one coward and one warrior).
What a great picture of our friends - raising our shields to surround each other; our families; our brothers and sisters; our faith.
How about the sword.
As the movie starts, we get a little history lesson on the Spartans. When the boys were 12 years old (if I recall correctly), they were sent out into the wilderness to survive. Those who survived returned to the city (Sparta) to become great warriors and defend their city. Those who perished, perished.
The young lads returned to train as warriors, becoming experts in the use of weapons, strategy, and willingness to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their way of life and loved ones.
Two things stand out in particular: The age at which the boys began training and their expertise in the use of their swords.
- The boys trained daily - we can draw a parallel with our daily walk with God through prayer and reading/memorizing the Word.
- They USED their weapons - they didn’t just know what a sword was. They didn’t even take it out when they felt like “hey, I haven’t used my sword in a while.” They LEARNED HOW to use it; they PRACTICED using it until it became an extension of themselves, taking their mentor’s lead; and the USED IT in battle.
How can we used the sword in our lives today? Learn it. Practice it. Use it.
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