Isaiah 21:5 They prepare the table, they spread the rugs, they eat, they drink. Arise, O princes; oil the shield!
It’s time for us in the church to oil our shields.
As I was reading in Isaiah the other day, this term caught my attention. Babylon is about to fall and the prophet is warning the Babylonians to take the Assyrian threat seriously. The people are going about with a business-as-usual mindset, but imminent disaster is heading their way. Isaiah exhorts them to wake up and “oil their shields.” To soften the protective leather, and make it effective in withstanding enemy blows.
A powerful metaphor for Christians.
As believers, we all face spiritual battles. But we can become as oblivious as those Babylonians and let our shield of faith (Eph. 6:16) fall into disrepair. We forget that well-oiled shields of faith can withstand any fiery dart the evil one shoots our way. And it’s vital to remember spiritual warfare means being ready anytime, anywhere.
I was recently caught off guard when someone lobbed some hurtful words my way. Stunned, it felt like poison arrows penetrating my heart. Unprepared for the exchange, I was about to let self-pity and rejection overwhelm me. But I cried out to the Lord for help. And he reminded me of the truth, of whose I am, and of how he has equipped me to “extinguish the flaming darts.” Almost immediately, the nagging thoughts were deflected by my re-oiled shield of faith.
Whether our battles loom large or seem relatively small, God is training us how to win. He doesn’t want us to give the enemy an inch. So he allows circumstances in our lives that require us to reignite our faith. To strengthen our belief in his power and trust in his unfailing love.
Life offers us many opportunities to “prepare the table, set the rugs, eat and drink.” It’s a beautiful thing, but we ought not get too complacent. When the Lord says, “oil your shield,” let’s be vigilant.
Friend, I believe this is such a time. Don’t let your shield of faith dry up and crack, shrivel or shrink. Ask the oil of the Holy Spirit to keep you battle-ready. And win!