Defenders of the Realm
In our country and in our time, we do not have much experience with the armor that the Roman soldiers wore and used. One of their most important pieces was the shield. It was their refuge from incoming spears and swords. They could even use it as an offensive weapon swinging it at the enemy. It could also serve as a bed.
The Romans had a strategy using their shields when attacking a walled city. They could interlock their shields over their heads and march forward walking under the roof created by the shields. Meanwhile, below this roof, soldiers could bang away at the gate to gain entrance to the city.
The shield, therefore, was part of the personal protection armor for every soldier. No soldier would dare go to war without this critical piece of protection. And, no company of soldiers would be as powerful if they were required to fight without it. They were the defenders of the empire. Their shields defended the empire!
The Roman Empire needed its defenders and the Lord’s Church needs her defenders. The defense system for the Church has both an individual and a group component. It begins with me and it moves to you and me. My individual responsibility is discussed in I Peter 3. The context of the letter is that the Christians are being persecuted. Peter said in verse 14, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed, ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.'"
In the midst of their persecution, he told them to be the defenders. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…” (verse 15). My hope is in Jesus and He put me in a place where I can experience that hope with others who have that hope—His Church. My defense of my hope is my defense of His Church.
Paul wrote the Philippians about their work with him in the defense of the Lord’s Church. He stated that the defense is also a group effort. “…it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.” (Philippians 1:7).
As a church, we are defending gospel with our brethren. We stand foursquare on the truth confirming it’s veracity. As we stand in the gospel truth, we are standing in the grace of God. The Philippians stood in the defense of the gospel with Paul. We are standing in the same place with the Philippians, Paul, and the myriad of Christians through the centuries as defenders of the realm!
— Mike Johnson
