Hebraic Musing – What does it mean to “Put on the whole Armor of God”?
I have never had
to put on a piece or suit of armor in my life; but putting on armor and relying
on an Armor-Bearer was a realistic part of life and warfare in Bible
times. What did Paul mean when he
challenged us with this command, or advice?
“Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 The pieces of armor are heavy; both
physically and Spiritually! Therefore,
we need an “Armor-Bearer” like those described in the Bible. What was the role of the Armor-Bearer”?
Assistance to carry the
Armor. Goliath needed an Armor-bearer,
his armor described in 1 Sam 17:4-7 - bronze helmet, bronze coat of scale armor
(125 Lbs.), bronze (leggings), bronze javelin, spear like a weaver's rod with
an iron point (15 lbs.). It’s heavy work
and one needs help. BTW - You cannot put
on your own armor!
Encouragement and
support
– In 1 Sam 14:1-23 we see that Jonathan had a devoted young armor-bearer. “One day Jonathan … said to the young man who
bore his armor, ‘Come, let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on
the other side, ... ‘Do all that is in your heart,’ his armor-bearer said. ‘Go
ahead; I am with you heart & soul.’" Note the unquestioning obedience and
loyalty!
Succession
Training
– A classic example was Elisha trained by Elijah starting in 1 Kings 19:16-20. Elisha was anointed to succeed as prophet. “So Elijah found Elisha plowing with
twelve yoke of oxen, Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak (tallit?) around
him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah.” What comes after the anointing? Commitment!
In 2 Kings 2:4 Elijah said to
him, "Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD
lives and as you live, I will not leave you."
The Reward - Elisha was
rewarded in 2 Kings 2:9 “When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell
me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?’ ‘Let me inherit a
double portion of your spirit,’ Elisha replied.”
Prayer Support - We read in
Exod.33:11 “Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua
son of Nun did not leave the tent.” I
wonder what Joshua was doing in that tent?
Why was Moses successful?
Help Carry the
Burden
- The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me 70 of Israel's elders/leaders. Have
them… stand there with you; They will help you carry the burden of the
people.” Num.11:16-17 Leaders
need Armor-Bearers!
Seven
Musts for an Armor-Bearer*
1 Must provide strength for his leader. Must possess endless strength to withstand
harsh treatment.
2. Must have a deep-down sense of respect, acceptance
and tolerance of his leader’s way of doing things.
1 Peter 5:5-7 Young men, in the same way be
submissive to those who are older.”
3. Must instinctively understand his leader’s
thoughts. Like finishing sentences
or Bible quotes
4. Must walk in agreement with and submission
to his leader. Some will say “Oh, but I
always submit myself to God!” But do
they willingly submit to God’s delegated authority, His shepherd here on earth?
5. Must make the advancement of his leader as
his most important goal. And be
discipling/developing future Armor Bearers/leaders like Moses/Joshua and Elijah/Elisha and Jesus/Peter, your
pastor/you, etc.
6. Must support his leader. And must follow orders, immediately and
correctly.
7. Must have a disposition that will gain
victories for his leader. And be on
board with his Leader’s vision. Remember
Jonathan’s armor-bearer’s response?
"Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
Points
to ponder
For whom do you serve as an “Armor-Bearer”?
AND Who do you count on to Bear your Armor?
Do all leaders need Armor-Bearers? Are
you a leader?
I need
help both in putting on my Armor; and in fighting the many Battles. I can’t do it alone!
Yosef
a.k.a.
Joe Brusherd October
18, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring
the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage” Weekly “Hebraic Musings” InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com
Note – All scripture references are from NIV or NKJV.
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