The Heart Protector

The Romans were known for their armies. Their soldiers were known for being well trained. The Roman soldier was known for his courage and willingness to fight. The soldier was also known for his attire. One of the things the normal soldier had was a breastplate made of bronze. This breastplate was usually the size of one hand span. A hand span was the size of an adult opening their palm and spreading their fingers as wide as they would go. Each side of the breastplate was this long. That is not a real big breastplate. The soldier had a shield to protect himself in a larger way.

But the breastplate was very important, even though small. The breastplate was put over the heart of the soldier. In fact, it was known as “the heart protector.” The Romans knew that it was very important to protect the heart. If the heart was struck by an arrow or javelin of the enemy it would kill the soldier. It was of utmost importance to protect the heart.

In Ephesians 6:14, we learn that the armor of the Christian includes the “breastplate of righteousness.” We must put on righteousness to protect our spiritual heart. Satan will always be throwing darts at our heart. Proverbs 4:23, tells us to “keep thy heart with all diligence.” In the Hebrew language it says we are to protect or guard our hearts. The only way to put on righteousness is to learn God’s word. We must read and study....

And then we must obey what we have learned. We must always be ready to put on the “heart protector” and go to war against the Devil. We must be willing to be a soldier in God’s army.

(Mark McWhorter, Copyright 2002, Published by The Old Paths Bible School, http://www.oldpaths.org)