Walk in the Narrowsಮಾದರಿ

Learn how to wield the sword

About 85 years ago, when I was a young man (feels like that sometimes) at kids’ church, or Sunday school as we called it, we used to play ‘draw swords’. You might know it, but probably not. To play, you would hold your bible under your arm as the sword, and the leader would say "draw swords!". We all enthusiastically held our Bibles in the air, they would then call out a bible reference—book, chapter and verse—and then shout "charge!". We would race to find the chosen passage as fast as possible and stand up and start reading, claiming that precious first place for having extreme bible knowledge and skill. I think I even got a sticker once… living the dream!

I could tell you about getting a mug for getting all the memory verses right too but it’s going to sound like I am showing off!

Point is, having a bible at home, dipping in occasionally and reading a verse or two, versus deeply knowing God’s word and seeking to be obedient to it, really are different things.

To know how to live in alignment with God’s word is what I want to express here.

• What does he look for in your life? What does he promise you?
• What has he done for you?
• What is he doing and what will he do for you in this life and the one to come?
• What is he showing you, teaching you, correcting in you or loving about you?
• How precious are you to him?
• How much does he love you?

All of this and more is there to be uncovered and enjoyed. To yield to, to trust and to build your life on.

The reading today talks about the armour of God, something you have probably heard or read about before. I want to focus on the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The sword of the Spirit is a weapon, it’s easy to forget that. It’s not a flower or a flag to wave at the enemy and ask for peace or to discuss options. The type of sword referenced in today’s bible passage was about 10-18” long. Fast, accurate, for defensive work and attacking. A sword to parry, strike away and defend, but also to slay, cut and strike with. To plunge into an advancing enemy, draining them of their ability to fight on and destroy you. That’s language we don’t often hear used about the bible, but isn’t that what a Roman sword would have done?

In war, being trained with a sword, your only weapon, knowing how to use it well with discernment and effectiveness, is not just a good idea, it’s essential. So when the sword of the Spirit is the word of God, how do we do that? Read it. This takes us back into the space of creating and building healthy routines and disciplines. Align yourself in your day to have time, space and stillness to read. Dwell on the verses and break any habits of blasting through the text as fast as possible. There is meaning in what is being read, but there is also presence and union, an encounter in the reading. God, through the Holy Spirit, brings us towards himself like this; the Bible giving us understanding, but also presence and connection.

That’s why this is more than black and white ink on a page, the sword of the Spirit is living and active.