God’s Promise: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” — Psalm 28:7 (ESV)
The Sword of the Shepherd
Men, today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). I say this almost every day, sometimes in a passing whisper, sometimes in a longer moment of reflection. Whether it’s for a minute or fifteen, I take time to acknowledge the gift of today.
Every day is a new opportunity to celebrate (Lamentations 3:22-23). Jesus tells us to abide in Him, and in doing so, we will receive life (John 15:4-5). As protectors and shepherds of our families, we must first abide in the Gospel. The Gospel is the abiding reality. Redemption is the only reality. If we are focused on ourselves—on our own witness, on legalism, on measuring up—we will never grasp the full reality of redemption. We must give ourselves wholly to God. We cannot be delivered if we remain caught up in ourselves.
In the task and calling of serving our families, we must first be set apart for one purpose—The Gospel—the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. And to abide in the Gospel, we must wield the Sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Without it, our leadership is weak, our wisdom is insufficient, and our strength is fleeting. The Sword is what empowers us to stand firm, remain steadfast, and lead our families with God’s truth at the center of our lives.
The Role of a Man with the Sword
Men—plain and simple: you cannot shepherd your family without the Sword.
The Sword is not an accessory; it is an essential part of your daily armor. When you proclaim that today is the day the Lord has made, you are not just speaking gratitude—you are wielding the Sword. You are equipping yourself for battle, standing guard over your family, prepared to defend, guide, and lead.
Your sword is the Word of God:
- “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” — Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
- “Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” — Ephesians 6:17 (ESV)
- “From his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword.” — Revelation 1:16 (ESV)
- “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” — Matthew 10:34 (ESV)
This is not a figurative concept. It is a command to stand firm, to be prepared, and to lead with boldness.
Wear the Sword. Wear it well. Let those who enter your house see it and recognize it. Let those who seek shelter find you standing firm, a guardian of faith, a protector of truth. Let your family, your wife, your children, and even those who pass through your doors know that the man of this house is anchored in the Word of God.
Today’s Value: Spiritual Readiness
A man cannot lead his family well if he is not equipped with the Word of God – The Sword of Truth. When we make the Bible our foundation, we are always prepared to lead, guide, and protect those in our care.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you actively engaging with the Word of God daily, equipping yourself with the Sword?
- When challenges arise in your family, do you respond with Biblical wisdom or personal reasoning?
- How can you make it clear to your family that your home is under the Lord’s protection and guidance?
Bible References:
- Psalm 118:24
- Lamentations 3:22-23
- John 15:4-5
- Hebrews 4:12
- Ephesians 6:17
- Revelation 1:16
- Matthew 10:34
- Psalm 28:7
#fatherhood #servantleadership #FaithfulShepherds #ChristCenteredHome #menoftheshepherd #TheHarvestField
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