Linda Buishas
Way back in 2010 there was a movie entitled The Book of Eli. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the hero faithfully embarks on a dark and treacherous mission from God, to ensure the only existing bible in America is delivered to where it can be preserved and reproduced. Being armed with only one, yet powerful weapon, Eli wields his sword and miraculously overcomes all who would destroy him or steal his almost extinct possession.
I’m reminded of this movie when I observe the disregard for the Word of God and the attempts to distort it to the degree that many no longer value or understand the truth that lies therein. The Body of Christ is under attack. Yet our struggle isn’t against one another but against Satan who seeks to influence and captivate those who are unaware of God’s truth or why we love and protect it. But we who have our swords, as the Eli of the movie, (coincidentally or symbolically?) which is the Word of God as our only, yet powerful weapon, must stand our ground, knowing our God goes with us to fight for us against our enemies. (Deuteronomy 20:4)
There’s nothing to fear. We have all the protection we need. Ephesians 6:10-18 holds the key that unlocks the arsenal for the battles we face. They are God’s truth, His righteousness, preparation in the Gospel which teaches of the peace between mankind and God, faith in God, belief in salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, (the Word of God) and so importantly, prayer. But we must take on the whole armor of God. Only then will we be able to withstand the evil day (Ephesians 6:13) when right is called wrong and wrong is called right. (Isaiah 5:20).
Notice there’s no armor for our backs. We must stand and face the devil and His evil ways. Turning our backs, not taking part in the battle, leaves us and our world vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Failure to boldly speak the Word of God and live it, is failure to use this powerful God-given weapon we have at our disposal.
We’re to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. God gave us His armor and His power. (Isaiah 59:17). In Ephesians 6:10,13, Paul said we were to use God’s power and might, God’s armor, not our own. Only then will the devil see he has no power over us.
We discover at the end of the movie that Eli’s bible is in Braille, revealing Eli to be blind. It’s an inspirational message of how God uses fallible human beings to communicate and protect His divinely breathed message of love and salvation. He protects us against all threats when we are devoted to Him and His Holy Word.
How many of us are willing to stand, armored up wielding the Sword of the Spirit, being unafraid whom it might offend, ready to defend what God has placed in our charge?