My Dad is Stronger than Your Dad.
“My Dad is Stronger than Your Dad…”
If you were a boy, or have brothers, or have raised a boy, then you likely remember this argument.
Two boys playing together degenerated to an argument about whose dad was stronger.
The ironic truth is that most dads aren’t the least bit interested in the snack time squabble.
Still, there are times when it is a great comfort to know that we have a strong father to protect us.
David describes such a situation in Psalm 35:
Of David. Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!” Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me! Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away! Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them! For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it-- to his destruction! Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation.
(Psalm 35:1-9 ESV)
David repeatedly faced earthly enemies who sought to do him harm, put him to shame, and end his life.
We face different enemies.
Paul describes them in the book of Ephesians.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 ESV)
Our enemies, our real enemies, aren't flesh and blood. They are the powers of darkness who seek to do more damage to our souls than any earthly enemy could ever inflict.
Therefore we are counseled to put on the full armor of God.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:13-19 ESV)
Sound advice to be sure. Given the spiritual battle we find ourselves in, we ought to be as prepared for battle as we can.
But we don’t go into battle alone. Our Father, the Warrior God, Who David describes in Psalm 35, goes into battle with us. His shield protects us from the enemy, His javelin and spear pierce the soldiers in the army of darkness.
When we are speaking of the dark forces that we battle in the spiritual realm, our Dad really is stronger than their dad.
Keep safe, be well, and stay encouraged.
Brian