FEAR NOT, THE LORD IS OUR SHIELD!

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Gen 15:1

THE SHIELD OF ROMAN TIMES

In Roman times, the shield was a weapon of war called ASPIS. It weighed sixteen pounds, sheathed in bronze, and a burden to carry.  When the warrior left for battle, he heard these words:

“Return with your shield or on it.”

Those words challenged them to fight for victory --or die an honorable death. A soldier not on his shield was a sign that he was a coward who dropped his shield to flee from battle.

TWO KINGDOMS AT WAR

1. The kingdom of God is ruled by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who always tells the truth.

2. Satan is the god of this world* He is a deceiver who blinds men with lies.

In the kingdom of God, all its citizens are a new creation. They have faith which worketh by love, and keep the commandments of God.  These are the happy people who have this promise of God as they contend for the faith that Jesus and the Apostles taught.

“Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.” Deu 33:29

FOLLOWERS OF JESUS DIE ON THEIR SHIELDS

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Rev 12:11

COWARDS DROP THEIR SHIELDS AND RUN FROM REJECTION OF THE WORLD AND MEN

When cowards drop their shields and run from rejection of the world and men, they have a spirit of timidity.**

WILL YOU DIE ON YOUR SWORD --OR DROP IT?

You had better pray for a sound mind and die on your sword because those who are fearful** will not inherit eternal life.
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“But the FEARFUL [G 1169], and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

TAKE THE SHIELD OF FATIH

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Eph 6:16

The Roman ASPIS was a heavy burden to carry; but with the LORD as our strength and shield our hearts are filled with joy and our lips sing songs that praise Him.

Psa_28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Donna Kupp

* “ But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Cor 4:3-4

** G1167

deilia
Thayer Definition:
1) timidity, fearfulness, cowardice
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1169**

dk