STORY TIME!! “The Sharpest Sword in the West” (ch 1)

Once upon a time in the great (and of course far away) country of West lived a young knight. His life was, up to this time, an ordinary knight’s life. He had successfully completed all the training requirements and after his knighthood ceremony he entered this elite class of warriors.

All who saw him were amazed. His armor was complete and in order, his shield shone like the sun, and his sword was always sharp. Everyone loved to see him train for battle in the royal courts. It was clear to see that he was diligent in his training. Because of his perseverance, he knew the art of fighting with lance, sword, battle axe, mace, flail, and bow. But he was an unmatched expert with the sword.

That fact did not go unnoticed by the young squires. They regularly gathered around the young knight to hear his eloquent explanations of sword fighting technique. The knight also took time to show and demonstrate the right moves, often spending individual time with several of these knights-in-training. Because he was so diligent, the knight would always end his sessions by showing his eager students how to keep the sword’s edge as sharp as possible.

Sharpening a sword was no easy task. It took a lot of patience, discipline, and a steady hand. Sharpening his sword was a task the knight did not mind. He knew that a good warrior always keeps his sword sharp -- and that’s what he wanted to be: a good warrior.

As time passed, the knight found a lovely young maiden. They fell in love and they married. After a while God blessed them with children. The knight desired with all his heart to be a good husband and father, but he also did not neglect his training. His armor was complete and in order, his shield shone like the sun, and his sword was always sharp. Everyone loved to see him train for battle in the royal courts.

Then one day the king summoned his knights and told them that war was upon them. This was the moment for which the knights had trained and their king was asking for their service. Each company of knights was presented with a specific mission and asked to carry it out faithfully.

The knight received his orders like all others. After reading and understanding his mission, his heart was heavy. He was being asked to go on a quest that was both difficult and important. As he spent time in thought; he sought the counsel of others including neighbors, merchants, and fellow knights. After some time he reached a decision and approached the king. With a heavy heart he respectfully declined his quest saying that his family needed him at home. The king, who was both merciful and wise, heard the knight’s decision but did not get angry or punish him for insubordination. Instead, after a moment of silence, the king dismissed the knight who then returned to his home.

As time passed, there were rumors and news of war. There were battles won and battles lost. There were heroes and martyrs. Stories of valor and courage were told around campfires at night. There was victory and tragedy throughout the kingdom. The kingdom was at war.

Meanwhile, the knight’s armor was complete and in order, his shield shone like the sun, and his sword was always sharp – very sharp. Everyone saw him train for battle in the royal courts and they saw him sharpening his sword at the end of the day. Some still gathered around to hear his eloquent explanations of sword fighting technique. But many wondered when he will stop sharpening the sword and get into the fight.

The kingdom is still at war.

"Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.
Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks.
We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.
So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.
Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor.
Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet.
Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit.
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people.
Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news."
Eph 6:10-19

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