Wisdom's Corner
Do Not Throw Down Your Shield

In ancient times soldiers used shields. They needed their shield to protect themselves when they fought the enemy. In those days most battles were hand to hand combat. Most soldiers would have a shield and a sword. The shield would protect the soldier from the sword blows of the enemy.

The shield was very special to the soldier. If he was killed, his fellow soldiers would bring the shield back to the dead soldier's wife. In fact, in some instances the soldier was brought back lying across his shield. The shield would be saved by the wife and given to the oldest son when he was preparing to go to war the first time.

In one ancient culture, it was the custom for the mother to give her son his father's shield and state the words, "This is your father's shield. Come back home with it, or come back on it". In another culture, the shield was the badge of honor. If a soldier lost his shield he could no longer attend the town meetings. He also was not allowed to participate in the religious rites of the town.

God uses some words related to these customs in referring to the Christian's staying faithful. In Hebrews 10:38-39, we read, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

The words "draw back" were used in Greek to designate those soldiers who dropped their shields and ran from the battle. Any soldier who did such was thought to not have any honor at all. And if caught, that soldier would be put to death for deserting the battle and his fellow soldiers.

God says that any Christian who drops his shield of faith and runs from the spiritual battle is not worthy to be called a Christian. And that person will not be saved but will be damned.

Build your faith. Hold on to your shield. Do not let anything or anyone take your shield. Do not drop your shield (read Ephesians 6:12-18 for the whole armour of God). Until next time, keep studying your Bible. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Mark McWhorter

Copyright 1999

Published by The Old Paths Bible School
(http://www.oldpaths.org)