Raise Shields

I

n the mid 1960’s television audiences in the United States were introduced to a series that would become legendary.  The voyages of the star ship Enterprise, its crew, and the long list of its explorations quickly became an integral part of American culture.

As a kid, I remember the familiar strains of the theme song as the series played over our television set.  But since the show came on past my bedtime, seldom, if ever, was I allowed to watch it.  Nevertheless, I was able to see the episodes when I started high school because the show was put into syndication.  Not long after, the ever-popular Star Trek movies were produced and an entire new generation of fans was born.

I remember my best friend, David Bame, and I seeing Star Trek, the motion picture.  We loved every minute of it, especially seeing all the old cast members still playing their roles, still predictable as ever, and still using the same lines that had won us over years before. 

One line contained in almost every episode belonged to Captain James T. Kirk. Whenever the Enterprise entered dangerous territory or when the ship and its crew were threatened, Kirk would tell his navigator (Mr. Sulu) to “Raise shields!”

The star ship’s shields were not visible to the naked eye but were in fact a type of force filed surrounding the vessel protecting it from attack.  On several occasions, the shields prevented an enemy from blasting a hole in the vessel or from disrupting its normal operations.  But the shields also failed on a consistent basis, leaving the Enterprise vulnerable to enemy hostilities and leaving the audience holding their breaths until the shields were repaired.

While the neither the technology nor the crew nor the episodes involving the Enterprise were real, the concept of the protective shield is one that has spiritual implications for us as children of God. In fact, we can look at the life of Abraham and learn a great lesson concerning the shield God placed around Abraham and how He can be our shield as well.

Genesis 15:1 reads, “After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."  God gives this promise to Abram following his refusal to accept tribute from the King of Sodom for helping in the defeat of several kings allied against him.  Abram refused the tribute, choosing to rely on God to supply his every need.

Notice that God tells Abram not to be afraid.  This command appears over and over again in the Scriptures because it is human nature to be afraid, especially of the unknown.  Everything ahead of Abram was unknown but God assured him that He was already in Abram’s future.  God does not tell Abram He will be his shield; He says that He is his shield. In other words, God’s presence, His very self surrounded and protected Abram at all times.  God wrapped Abram in the mantle of His protection and promised to keep him in all situations and to safeguard him from all sides.

Perhaps you feel as if you are under attack today.  Everywhere you turn you see the enemy and you seem to be under constant attack!  If you know Jesus Christ as your savior, God is your shield.  He has promised to protect you and keep you safe in all of life’s situations and trials.   But keep this in mind, shields protect us in battle, they do not remove us from battle.  The Scriptures never promise we will be removed from the cares of life; but they do promise God will be with us through them all.  Do you know the peace and do you have the assurance that God’s shields are raised around you today?