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Reflections on 2 Kings 13:7

” … Jehoahaz’s army was reduced to 50 charioteers, 10 chariots, and 10,000 foot soldiers.”

Let’s see … ten thousand foot soldiers … plus ten chariots … plus … fifty charioteers equals … I’d call that ten thousand and forty foot soldiers and ten chariot units.

A chariot doesn’t make or break a soldier, or it shouldn’t at least.

A true soldier is always a soldier regardless of what they have to fight with or what they lack.

I am a 3rd degree black belt in TaeKwonDo. I was a 1st degree black belt before weapons were even introduced. Come to find out, modern day weapons for martial arts were derivatives of farm implements. The ordinary person, fighting for life and limb, defended him/herself with anything at his/her disposal or empty handed.

I wonder how easily a person is stripped of whatever it is that makes them a Christian?  People have tried various methods of neutralizing people of faith.

Church buildings have been burned. A building neither makes or breaks a follower of Christ.

Bibles have been banned or burned.  Can I suggest to you that a Bible neither makes or breaks a follower of Christ. People found the Living Word before the Canon was established and they still find Him, many times before they ever hold or own a Bible.  I love the printed or digital word of God. But taking it away cannot extinguish the life that I find in Christ alone.

A preacher with or without credentials is still a preacher. John Wesley made grave stones a pulpit.

Take away the worship band … are you still a worshipper? If you aren’t then you never were.

Take away the offering plates … are you still a giver?

Take away people who love you … are you still a lover of people?

Our props don’t make us or break us. If you are living a propped up profession, you’ll quickly discover the truth about yourself when your army is downsized and reality hits you square in the face.

Try nurturing your spiritual life without the accoutrements. Do you even know what that is? Discover it before you are stripped to the bone.