Cartoonology Devotional 03-27-09

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Remember those emergency drills we did in school. Everyone was to follow orders, learn the routine and move quietly outside the building. No one was to take anything with him so as to be able to move quickly. I always liked those drills. I never took them seriously. For me, it was just an opportunity to get out of class and schoolwork. It never occurred to me that these drills could save my life someday.

The phrase “gird your loins” is found in the Bible and relates to preparedness. The word “gird” is related to the word girdle, but in ancient times, a girdle was more like a belt. The word “loins” can be translated “waist”. Put the two words together, and you get the intended meaning of putting on a belt in order to hold up your garment. In biblical times, garments were long and flowing. The idea was to pull up your garment and tie the bottom of it around your waist. This would allow you to move freely without the restriction about your legs and feet. Being girded with a belt made you ready.

The Bible uses the word “gird” metaphorically, as well.

1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV)
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Girding up “the loins of your mind” is to be alert, prepared and ready to take on the challenges of life and the enemy – Satan. One should remove the clutter of sin and sinful thoughts that could slow him down on the Christian pilgrimage. This image is clearly seen in the first eating of Passover by the Israelites as they were preparing to leave Egypt (Exodus 12:1-12). In verse 11, they were told to eat it with their loins girded, their shoes on and their staff in hand.

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Forget your girdle, you can’t hurdle. 03-27-09

http://www.nlcbchurch.com/