Wednesday, June 5, 2019


The Wrong Weapon
 By Elin Henderson

“…they said to Him, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?’ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.”

How many times do we seek to defend our Lord, but sadly pick up the wrong weapon to strike with? Jesus’ disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane were genuinely trying to defend and help Him. But impulsive thinking and not understanding the Father’s plan led them to pick up what was closest at hand and strike out.   

Jesus understood the plan of the Father and used one weapon to defend Himself and the Father: His Word. “It is written…” was the catchphrase to His weapon of choice. He never used it impulsively, but wielded it deliberately, carefully and effectively. Satan’s attempts to tempt Him in the wilderness were met with three quick blows of the Word. I imagine the Pharisees, time and time again, felt the blade of the Word of God pierce their hearts with conviction.

It’s not our ability to reason, our philosophy or our quick wit that helps us defend our Lord and defeat our enemies. It is knowing how to patiently use our one and only weapon: His Word. Just as a master swordsman becomes faster and more effective with his blade by constant practice and study, so also, we need to become expert wielders of the Word of God - - to have an “It is written…” response in every season.

Our impulsivity and unchecked zeal can lead us, like the disciples, to grab the wrong weapon and lash out; however, a restful understanding of the Father’s will, and an intimate knowledge of His Word, will help us to defend and defeat the enemy.

God’s Word…it’s sharp. It’s powerful. And it’s effective. Let us wield it carefully and effectively today!
             
GOING DEEPER:                                                       
1.    What habits can you put into practice today that will help you become more effective Weapon wielders? 
2.    (GOING REALLY  DEEP!) How do you use the Word of God in defense against those who deny it as being the truth? 

FURTHER READING: