“And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.” (Nehemiah 4:18, ESV)
While the walls of Jerusalem were being built, the people were prepared against an attack from their enemies. Half the people were working on the wall while the other half kept an eye out for an invasion. Those who worked also carried a sword with them. And a man who would sound the trumpet warning stayed by Nehemiah’s side.
Imagine the scene of the construction workers with a sword strapped to their side. It was an odd combination, but they were ready. They were prepared.
As we turn to the New Testament, we are told to put on the full armor of God. We are to be prepared just as the people of Jerusalem were prepared. One of the things we are told to put on is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (see Ephesians 6:17).
The image of the workers on the wall is a picture for us. We are to carry the Word of God with us wherever we go. The best way to do that is to learn it and memorize it. If God’s Word is in our heart, the is nothing that can be done to take it away from us. If we leave God’s Word in the Bible, all someone needs to do is take away our Bible.
When we have God’s Word with us, we are prepared to call upon it no matter which situation we might face. When Jesus faced temptation he defeated Satan by calling on the Word. When we are discouraged by the deceit of the Evil One, we can call on the Word to encourage us. When we are filled with pride, we can call on the Word to humble us.
There was a video from a few years back that asked the question: “what would happen if we treated the Bible like our cell phone?” That was before the advent of smart phones. Today, we don’t have to choose between a phone and the Bible. Many of us have God’s Word on our phones. Our phones make the Scriptures even more accessible. We might pose a more up-to-date question: “what would happen if we opened up the Bible app as much as we opened Facebook app (or insert other favorite app)?”
So here is a challenge for you. Every time you open up your Facebook app on the phone, open up your Bible app. If you don’t have a Bible app, there are more than a few available. Just to name a few, there is YouVersion (free), OliveTree (paid), and Logos. YouVersion is great because it is free and has daily Bible reading plans you can participate.
Reflection
- How do you carry the Word of God with you?
- What are some ways you can discipline yourself to open up God’s Word on your phone rather than less edifying apps?
Prayer
Lord, give me the discipline to carry your Word with me wherever I go. May your Word reach the deep recesses of my heart so that I can call on it at any time. Help me to know your Word, to live your Word, and to be prepared for any situation I might face. Equip me to serve you more fully for your glory. Amen.
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