As a follower of Christ, I have a duty to continue the work He has for me. In that continuing of the work, I have to also be always ready for the adversity that will come. I have to be ready to fight for the LORD and for the work. I have to continue the work all the while being prepared with my weapon by my side.
“17who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.” — Nehemiah 4:17-18 (ESV)
Here is the example of what my being prepared should look like. Notice that the builders are guarded by others and that they also stay at the ready as they work. They are continuing the work of the LORD and still carry their weapons in case they are attacked.
In this world today, we are not generally put in a position where we have to physically defend ourselves, although it does happen. We are however tasked with carrying our sword with us, the Word of God. It may be inconvenient and cumbersome to walk around always with your bible, but just as in the days of Nehemiah, we should always be at the ready to fight for our God and defend against the enemy. In order for that to be in this world, having our sword with us always ensures that we are indeed ready for the fight.
I am one that believes in the physical bible to study God’s word. I like the feel of the pages in my hand. I like to idea of writing my notes and reminders in the margins. Yet, carrying the Word of God in any form is carrying the weapon to fight for the our God. I also believe that the Word of God is bigger than the pages and a great understanding and knowledge of it is the real weapon.
Carrying the bible with you so that others can see it does provide some protection as those who see it will think twice about attacking. But, the physical bible itself is of little danger to the attacker if the holder does not know how to use it. Yes, it can be used to physically hit someone, but without a strike in just the right spot, the single blow will likely only anger the attacker. It is in the knowledge and understanding of the Word of God that is the real weapon. When able to call on just the right scripture and access just the right passage that one is able to strike that defeating blow. So more than carrying the Word of God with me, I have to know the substance of it and carry that knowledge with me always.
It is the Word of God that is the weapon for fighting against the attackers of our LORD. I have to have it with me always and do the work with one hand while holding firm to the Word of God in the other. I must be at the ready always for the fight against the attackers of the faith.
What fights have you been in where you were not prepared? Are you always carrying the weapon needed to defend against the attacker? What if you carried the Word of God with you always as your weapon to do just that?
Trevor's Thoughts 