In May of 2019 archaeologists in central England discovered an ancient shield made of bark, dating back to the Iron Age. It’s the oldest shield ever found.
Some might think such a shield would offer little protection during battle. But experiments have proven the bark of such trees as alder and willow would have served well, providing an effective but lightweight shield, easy to maneuver [1].
Fast forward to today. Modern technology has made Israel’s Iron Dome possible. The system shields the country with exceptional radar protection–detecting, tracking, and destroying incoming enemy rockets, high in the sky before they can do any harm [2].
One of Israel’s missile launchers in action
Both shields impress—one for its age and unusual material; the other for its advanced technology and precision.
Scripture speaks of another shield, much older than the one found in England yet still available today, and even more impressive than Israel’s Iron Dome:
The Lord himself.
As we consider that truth, a few questions present themselves:
- Why would God inspire that metaphor?
- What does God want me to understand about him being my shield?
- How might new understanding impact my life?
In researching and pondering the answers to those questions, I discovered that:
God is our shield because of his attributes.
His power shields us from ultimate ruin.
His wisdom shields us from foolishness.
His compassion shields us from emotional and spiritual wounds too deep to heal.
His righteousness shields us from the evil one.
His mercy and grace shield us from the punishment we deserve for our wrongdoing [3].
The list could go on.
God is also our shield because of his actions.
His shield offers:
- Protection against our arch-enemy Satan and all his cohorts
- Salvation, saving us from the condemning power of sin
- Help in times of trouble
- Faithfulness we can rely on, because of his covenant of love
- Truth—like the promises of God’s Word that can protect us against discouragement and confusion
- Favor in the form of lovingkindness, mercy, and grace [4]
God’s shield can cover every aspect of our lives, but . . .
. . . we must each take up our shield.
God is a gentleman; he doesn’t force his protection, help, or favor upon us. We must come to him and choose to take refuge in him [5].
How? Through prayer.
We invite him to watch over us and protect us.
We affirm the promises and encouragement from his Word.
We remind ourselves of who he is, our Almighty God of Refuge, Shelter and Strength, our Rock of Stability and Safety.
Will you pray with me right now?
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, O God, for being my strength and impenetrable shield. I can put my trust in you with unwavering confidence because of who you are [6].
I praise you for not only being a shield in front of me; you are a shield that surrounds me, guarding on all sides [7].
You are above, beneath, around, and within, protecting me from ultimate ruin, irreparable damage to my spirit, and foolishness. You shield me from the full brunt of trouble, the fiery darts of the enemy, and his lies [8].
I praise you for the overflowing peace in knowing you are guarding me as a shield!
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/may/23/2300-year-old-iron-age-bark-shield-leicestershire
[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20385306#:~:text=Iron%20Dome%20detects%20and%20tracks,to%20fall%20on%20open%20ground.
[3] Proverbs 3:23-26; 28:26; Psalm 86:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Ephesians 2:4-5
[4] Ephesians 6:16; Psalm 18:35 ESV; Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 91:4 and Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 91:4c; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 5:12
[5] Matthew 11:28-30
[6] Psalm 28:7 AMP
[7] Psalm 3:3 GWT
[8] Psalm 91:4a; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 3:3; Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 6:16
Image credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.biblepics.co & http://www.canva.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org (3).
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From the Inside Out 