Stripped.. Disarmed… Dislodged

Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel. The Philistines made sure of that“Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” That meant that the Israelites had to go down among the Philistines to keep their farm tools—plowshares and mattocks, axes and sickles—sharp and in good repair. They charged a silver coin for the plowshares and mattocks, and half that for the rest. So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them. 1 Samuel 13:19-22

The preceding verses to this text puts some context to the story. Israel is hemmed in by the Philistines in three directions – whichever way they turned a raiding party was in position. With no armours or blacksmiths to make swords and spears, what could they do with blunt instruments?

It seems God is not yet done teaching me about the need to gear up so I am staying put. On reading this short text, I discovered the Israelites had been stripped, disarmed and dislodged. I couldn’t but reflect on my life and the state of the church in general.This is not the first time in scripture, the people of God were treated in that manner. Jeremiah has written records:

After Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had captured and enslaved Jeconiah (son of Jehoiakim), king of Judah, and exiled him to Babylon along with the princes of Judah and the skilled tradesmen—the carpenters and blacksmiths—the Lord gave me this vision. Jeremiah 24:114

King Nebuchadnezzar took ten thousand captives from Jerusalem, including all the princes and the best of the soldiers, craftsmen, and smiths. So only the poorest and least skilled people were left in the land. 2 Kings 24:14

You’ve probably heard the saying ‘’ If it happens once, it’s a mistake. If it happens twice, it’s a choice’’. I dare say it’s a pattern that needs to be reversed. That’s why we must be quick to repent when we sin. Captivity is the consequence of disobedience to God’s laws. Yes there is grace but if you break the hedge, you will be bitten. The soul that sins shall die!

Who let Israel be robbed and hurt? Did not the Lord? It is the Lord they sinned against, for they would not go where he sent them nor listen to his laws. Isaiah 42:24

Dislodged
By taking Israel captive and exiling her to Babylon, their orientation, position and direction were tampered. They could no longer live where they used to nor could they do as they pleased. Princes became slaves and skilled tradesmen where made redundant. Their talents were useless and their calling unsure – that’s destiny diverted! A royal priesthood and holy nation people once feared and revered were captured leaving the poor and least skilled. The 21st century church has had her goal post moved various times. They have been exiled to a place where ‘creator God is now being referred as the universe, source and mere presence. There is a limit to what they can or cannot have. Church is being forced to marry Adam and Steve and oh miracles, they’re a tale of the past. No venison, no prophecy and if you must pray, there are restrictions on what you can say and how loud you can go!

Church is now full of the most sick, broke and disappointed people. It seems like the gates of hell have prevailed over the collapsed church.

I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land. Your pride and joy, O Israel, lies dead on the hills! Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen! She said, “The glory is departed from Israel, for the ark of God is taken. Ecclesiastes 10:7, 2 Samuel 1:19, 1 Samuel 4:22

 

Stripped
Israel’s was left with minimal tools – they were deprived of their core (essential or standard) people or members of cabinet. The necessities had been taken away from them leaving them destitute, disfavoured and disadvantaged. They were  prohibited from making weapons but permitted to manufacture implements of husbandry. Talk about limitation! Not a blacksmith or a metal work could be traced in the entire nation- sad! Isn’t that typical of our churches today? Many apostles, prophets and the likes but fewer pastors and fathers. No real models and mentors to influence and shape the God’s war clubs and battle weapons.

You are my battle-ax and sword,” says the LORD. “With you I will shatter nations and destroy many kingdoms. Jeremiah 51:20

Disarmed

Ridding Israel of her smiths and weapons meant she was rendered impotent and harmless.  Their offensive capabilities were removed making them less hostile and malleable. The Philistines made sure of that! In 1 Samuel, only 2 people in an entire nation had weapons. The rest had to travel down to Philistine to sharpen their blunt tools. No wonder the church is weak today. We have no cutting edge! Mostly the Pastors and ministry board are equipped and armed for battle, the rest have plowing instruments. No wonder our bodies, homes, finances and careers are under attack. We have been robbed of our strength and have been tossed meager pieces to pacify us but we are indirectly paying for them. We have been bribed with buildings, TV stations and Gift Aid in exchange for faith, prayer, fasting, worship and evangelism. How many great women and men have we birthed of? Who is succeeding the retiring matriarchs and patriarchs of faith? Lest the church become rich, heal the sick, raise the dead, evangelize the world, she’s been maimed, castrated and deboned.

Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen! Stripped of their weapons, they lie dead. 2 Samuel 1:27

Oh that we would rise and reclaim our lost glory! I want Jesus to make headlines in all media and that’s going to happen only when we are reinstated to our rightful places, repossess our possessions and recover lost and stolen properties. Let the glory return!