His name, Michael, literally means "Mīḵāʾēl," which translates to, "Who is like El?" "El" is one of many names for God, and it's where the name Elohim comes from too. So his name means, "Who is like God?" His name is the question he asked Lucifer when he said, "I will not serve God. I want to be like God." Michael said in reply, "Who is like God? No one can be Him but Him."
The flaming sword picture in the middle is also the sword of St. Michael. His sword is not always represented as flaming in every depiction of him, but it is definitely a symbol generally only used with him.
Many times in the Q Drops we are encouraged somewhat urgently to put of THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD. May I add this devotional which may also help us understand why the Sword of the Spirit is so important. I believe God is preparing us for an upcoming great battle. Kash stood in front of that picture for a reason. It’s up to us to pray and discern what God wants us to hear.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
The sixth piece of armor that Paul discusses in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the spirit, which represents the Word of God. For a Roman soldier, the sword served as an offensive weapon against enemies. When sharpened, the sword could pierce through just about anything, making it a very dangerous tool.
To understand the connection between the sword and the Word of God, it is first important to understand the power of God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Through God’s Word, we can distinguish between right and wrong. As a result, we can strive to live in a way that is free from sin. His Word is the ultimate truth, and we can find confidence in knowing it is our greatest weapon.
If we are lacking in knowledge of God’s Word, we will struggle to fight against the enemy. However, those who seek God’s Word and abide by it will be blessed. John 5:24 says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
In addition, the sword of the spirit is unique in that it can be used as both a defensive and offensive tool. While God’s Word can protect us from the lies of the enemy, it can also counter attacks. For example, Jesus used God’s Word as an offensive weapon in Matthew 4 when Satan tried to test Him in the wilderness.
So, how can we use the sword of the spirit in our lives? We are not meant to keep the knowledge we gain from God’s Word to ourselves. When we are asked to defend what we believe, we can use God’s Word to point back to Him.
Sometimes, it is not easy to take up our swords and fight against the enemy. However, we are not called to do this by our own strength. When facing trials, we can find peace in knowing that God is on our side. Romans 8:31 says, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
I encourage you to take up the sword of the spirit in your daily life. Remember that God’s Word is the ultimate truth and that we can stand on His promises. With God on our side, we are unstoppable.
Some cool info on St. Michael:
His name, Michael, literally means "Mīḵāʾēl," which translates to, "Who is like El?" "El" is one of many names for God, and it's where the name Elohim comes from too. So his name means, "Who is like God?" His name is the question he asked Lucifer when he said, "I will not serve God. I want to be like God." Michael said in reply, "Who is like God? No one can be Him but Him."
The flaming sword picture in the middle is also the sword of St. Michael. His sword is not always represented as flaming in every depiction of him, but it is definitely a symbol generally only used with him.
Maybe it represents the Sword of The Spirit. Ephesian 6:17
Many times in the Q Drops we are encouraged somewhat urgently to put of THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD. May I add this devotional which may also help us understand why the Sword of the Spirit is so important. I believe God is preparing us for an upcoming great battle. Kash stood in front of that picture for a reason. It’s up to us to pray and discern what God wants us to hear.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
The sixth piece of armor that Paul discusses in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the spirit, which represents the Word of God. For a Roman soldier, the sword served as an offensive weapon against enemies. When sharpened, the sword could pierce through just about anything, making it a very dangerous tool. To understand the connection between the sword and the Word of God, it is first important to understand the power of God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Through God’s Word, we can distinguish between right and wrong. As a result, we can strive to live in a way that is free from sin. His Word is the ultimate truth, and we can find confidence in knowing it is our greatest weapon. If we are lacking in knowledge of God’s Word, we will struggle to fight against the enemy. However, those who seek God’s Word and abide by it will be blessed. John 5:24 says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” In addition, the sword of the spirit is unique in that it can be used as both a defensive and offensive tool. While God’s Word can protect us from the lies of the enemy, it can also counter attacks. For example, Jesus used God’s Word as an offensive weapon in Matthew 4 when Satan tried to test Him in the wilderness. So, how can we use the sword of the spirit in our lives? We are not meant to keep the knowledge we gain from God’s Word to ourselves. When we are asked to defend what we believe, we can use God’s Word to point back to Him. Sometimes, it is not easy to take up our swords and fight against the enemy. However, we are not called to do this by our own strength. When facing trials, we can find peace in knowing that God is on our side. Romans 8:31 says, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” I encourage you to take up the sword of the spirit in your daily life. Remember that God’s Word is the ultimate truth and that we can stand on His promises. With God on our side, we are unstoppable.
Thank you! Very precisely explained.