Have you ever searched for your keys without success, only to discover they
are sitting right in front of you, staring at you? What about looking for your
glasses when they are perched on your head? My favorite is to look for my wallet
when it's in my pocket!
For some mysterious reason, numerous items like to play hide-and-seek with us
overanxious humans!
It was recommended that we visit Shag Point on New Zealand's south island, an
off-the-beaten track hideout for numerous sea animals, not too far from the
Moeraki Boulders. We spent some time squinting out
over the beach and ocean, but we saw absolutely nothing but the water, the
cliffs and lots of seaweed-type plants floating nearby.
Then we heard the cry of a seal, and our eyes immediately turned towards the
sound. As we stared straight at the seaweed dancing on the ocean, we slowly
began to perceive unusual movement. There, right in front of us, were seals
chasing one another through the seaweed, but they were so camouflaged by their
natural surroundings that if it hadn't been for their cry and sudden movements,
we would never have seen them at all!
The same is true for our next piece of our spiritual armament: "The sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph 6:17 NIV)
How many of us find ourselves lost to the meaning when we read our Bible? Anyone
who has ever read the book of Leviticus knows exactly what I mean! This is so
common that Jesus even warned about this: "Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand." (Matt 13:13 NIV)
However, no matter how confusing or unrelated a Bible passage may seem, there
are hidden treasures from above clearly concealed throughout each verse of God's
Word. The problem is, we can't discern them with our own insignificant efforts!
It is only possible through revelation from the author of these books: God's
Holy Spirit Himself!
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He
will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell
you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine
and making it known to you." (John 16:13-14 NIV)
In addition, God's Word equips us with a mighty weapon against the attacks of
the evil one. This is why it is called "the sword of the Spirit". It is a tool
than can only be successfully used by relying solely on God's Holy Spirit!
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV)
Speaking of swords, Romans used short ones, around 18 inches long, that were
ideal for hand-to-hand combat (or should I say, sword-to-sword combat!). The
most effective ones were the ones that were sharpened on both sides. Imagine
grabbing a kitchen knife that has been finely sharpened on both sides! Not a
good idea!
The sword is the only weapon at our disposal that can be used not only for our
defense, but also for our offence. No wonder the devil retreated after
unsuccessfully tempting Jesus. Jesus quoted God's Word each time He faced
temptation (See Matthew 4: 1-11)!
This is true for us as well! "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper
than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Heb
4:12-13 NIV)
Naturally we have to get acquainted with using it, and the way to do that is to
work on getting to know its Author intimately. Only then will we become master
swordsmen (or women) that can't be beat!
Interestingly enough, when we do finally use the Bible against temptation, two
things happen: We are strengthened to resist the evil one, and the devil has no
choice but to flee. Hurray!
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Come near to God and he will come near to you." NIV (James 4:7-8)
No ifs and buts in that text!
It sure is handy to have an armory of Bible verses that explicitly refer to our
particular weaknesses!
You want to see the devil on the run? Get to know God's Word and its Author! It
is the only offence against temptation! "Attackkkkkkkk!!!"
It's time that we bring forth what is hidden from sight and start savoring it!
"Oh sweet victory!"
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.