Men, we must beware of the ceremonial sword. It gives the appearance of warfare, but never sees the battle. It never gets involved in hand to hand combat. It is a coward when it comes to fight it out. It may give the façade that it is involved and it may talk the talk, but it will not walk the walk.
The ceremonial sword loves the pomp, parade, and ceremony. This sword loves the decorations and the fancy designs. It loves the admiration of the crowds, but it shrinks at the sight of blood. It hates the stains of blood, scars, and true warfare.
This sword is often made of fake, light, alloy material, perhaps chrome plated, or plastic. It is blunt so it does not pose any danger to those who may pick it up. To the casual eye it appears strong, but in fact it is delicate and has no intestinal fortitude to wage war. It likes to be continually cleaned and polished, but never sharpened. It is most comfortable when it is gently tucked away in its highly decorated sheath.
There are many ceremonial swords turning up each Sunday for their church parade while the dirty, dark demons and devils gleefully advance their cause. These devils do not fear these ceremonial swords the slightest bit.
Isaiah 34:6 says: “The sword of the LORD is filled with blood.”
Jeremiah 48:10 says: “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully (negligently), and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.”
It’s time to get into the battle, men. And fathers, we must not raise our children to be ceremonial swords. Never. We must prepare them for battle also.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell