Shields are the most important defensive gear included in a soldier’s gear kit. Shields have been used throughout human history as a primary source of defense in battle. Roman soldiers’ shields are incredibly well known, if not the most well know, of all the shields from antiquity. The Roman shield was called the Scutum. It was used by soldiers in their phalanx and maniple formations. The shield was body length. It was contoured convexly to provide even more protection. In Greek and Roman armies, soldiers would be in large tight knit rectangular groups. When the formation moved forward the first line would rise and link their shields together. If the group came under fire, the internal lines would raise their shields to provide protection to the group from aerial attacks like arrows. Roman shields were light enough to be held in one hand but large enough to protect the whole body. There was also a shield boss – a large convex piece of metal – which could be used offensively or defensively. Roman shields were impressive. One does not think about the Roman army without thinking of their shields.
Paul knew the importance and strength of Roman shields which helps us to understand why he chose to describe our faith as a shield. He tells us “above all take up the shield of faith which is able to quench the fiery arrows of the Devil.”
Our faith is our primary defensive gear. So, let’s look at Paul’s description of our shield.
🛡️ Above all – Don’t forget. Or of most importance! Paul has listed several pieces of equipment but it is the shield he declares – above all! Don’t go to battle without it!
🛡️ Shield – Faith is our primary defensive equipment. We must develop and nurture a strong faith because it is what serves as our protection from Satan.
🛡️Faith – Paul is not just talking about believing. He is talking about an active obedient faith. Not a dead faith with no actions or obedience. But a living active faith that obeys. Each act of submission, perseverance, and obedience makes our faith stronger and in doing so makes our shield stronger.
🛡️Quench – Our shield will put out the fires in our lives caused by the Devil. Our shield doesn’t just protect us from the fire – it quenches it. A strong faith is able to stop the spread of a temptation’s fire.
🛡️ Fiery Arrows – The Devil isn’t going to just come charge headstrong at us. He is going to stand back and try to assassinate us from afar. He is going to use tactics that we don’t necessarily see at first. Because he is cunning – the Devil lays in wait and tries to pick us off one by one like a sniper.
Our shield is incredibly important not just to ourselves but to our fellow soldiers. Just like in Rome and Greece, our spiritual phalanx is stronger when we all:
🛡️ Bring our shields to the battle.
🛡️ Strengthen our shields by increasing our faith.
🛡️ Use our shields not just to protect us but to help protect our brothers and sisters standing next to us in battle.
Do you have a shield of faith? It is the most important piece of defensive equipment you have.
Are you continuing to strengthen your shield of faith? Don’t let time or “over-usage” wear your faith down. Actively work to build your faith up!
Pick up your shield of faith. You need it. Your fellow soldiers need it. Don’t let Satan assassinate you from afar. Let your shield quench its fiery arrows. #soldiersforChrist #TheLordIsMyBanner
Adonai's Appeal 