EPHESIANS 6:17

“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

I’ve never had a job where I had to wear a helmet or a hard hat. But those professions that require it know the importance of it. Take a fireman, for instance. His job requires him to battle fires which often include falling debris. That helmet protects his noggin. The soldier is the same. Helmets in battle can deflect bullets or shrapnel. And even in sports, the helmet protects football players from serious injuries

Paul had seen plenty of Roman soldiers in his day. Those helmets they wore often had plumes of feathers on the top and were usually metal. Those swords they carried were called machaira. They were short daggers used primarily for stabbing. That meant close hand-to-hand combat. Paul knew what we were up against.

APPLICATION

I don’t think any of us are going to go out and buy a helmet and sword, are we? But we don’t need it for the battle we are waging. We are already equipped with these two pieces. We have the helmet of salvation because we have confessed our sins and have asked Jesus to save us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, we read again, “But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” Our salvation is our hope, and it is a sure hope.

Then Paul calls that sword “the word of God.” What did he mean by that? The word is our weapon against the enemy. Why? Because it is always true. It will never fail. It will not rust or decay. It is timeless. The writer of Hebrews says this about the Word. In Hebrews 4:12 it says, “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” 

Sword and helmet! Are you equipped? You will be in the battle. You need to have the armor. Don’t make the mistake and leave home without it. We have an adversary who is equipped. I promise you that. Be ready!

Thank You, Lord, for my helmet and sword.