For those who have never read this before:
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE
1950’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80‘s:
“ First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn’t get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets. As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We even shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! If you are one of us, CONGRATULATIONS! It kind of makes me want to run through the halls with scissors in hand!”
Let’s go back to just one of these items that has particular relevance for: ...when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets! Even though it’s true that many of us survived riding our bikes without a helmet, since we didn’t really know better and they weren’t readily available, no one would advocate that anyone, children or adults, do the same today. We certainly would encourage our own kids to wear their helmet every time because you never know when they may need it to protect their head. And in the spiritual battle that we’re engaged in as followers of Jesus, we need to make sure we always have our spiritual helmet on, too, because we never know when we’ll need it. “Take the helmet of salvation.” (Eph. 6:17a)
The Apostle Paul wrote this so he must have known a little about the helmet. Here are some thoughts on its history to help you.
The Roman army's existence spanned more than 1,200 years. It began as a fierce, amateur militia from a small, central Italian city, and rose as the world's first professional and standardized army, under the reign of the Caesars. It then saw it’s standards slide until it was unrecognizable by the time of the fall of the Western Empire. Over this period, the equipment of the Roman soldier changed markedly, including his galea, or helmet.
The Earliest Helmets: During the centuries when Romans were dominated by their Etruscan neighbors, the Romans imitated them in many respects. While the Etruscans in turn mimicked the Greeks and employed Corinthian-style helmets, they also had their own style of helmet, which resembled a peaked, bronzed bowl. The Romans, however, used both styles.
The Montefortino Helmets: were used by legionaries between 4th century BC and 1st century AD, a period that covers the ‘heyday’ of the Roman Republic and the early Empire. These helmets were essentially bronze pots with visors.
The Gallic Helmet: this type began making its appearance in the 1st century BC, and was used well into the 2nd century AD. This makes it the classic helmet of the Roman legionary, as that time runs from the late Republic through to the height of the Empire. Its design includes many improvements that were inspired by the helmets worn by the wealthier Gallic warriors. It includes protection for the cheeks and back of the neck. Crests: As a rule, only centurions would wear a legionary helmet with a crest more frequently, and for the simple reason that that they needed to be readily identifiable to their men.
The Attic Helmet: Roman officers were almost always drawn from a wealthier equestrian or senatorial background. Helmets based on the Greek's Attic-style remained popular with these gentlemen officers for centuries, who often wore a showier, more ceremonial kit than that of a common legionary, or even a centurion.
From: Roman Helmets History By Edwin Thomas, eHow Contributor
OBSERVATION: What do I see?
“Take the helmet of salvation... (Ephesians 6:17)
Q- What types of helmets have you worn through you life? What is the benefit of wearing one?
INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?
The helmet was essential for the survival of a soldier in battle. Paul, in using the word “salvation”, indicates that the helmet is a source of total deliverance. In Jesus, we can find deliverance in every situation, spiritual, emotional, and physical. He has to be our source, our “guide”, and our “way out”. We cannot deliver ourselves. That is why it’s worth looking at three theological thoughts about salvation:
· Justification: Deals with our past, its freedom from the penalty of our sin. (Colossians 2:13)
· Sanctification: This is speaking of the freedom we have from the power of sin. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
· Glorification: This deals with freedom from the presence of sin. (1 Thessalonians 5:8-9)
Q- Jesus paid the price for our sin and as a result, we can be declared righteous through His death. (Romans 2:5-11) Have you accepted this wonderful gift? If not, why not?
APPLICATION: How does it apply to my life?
Q- If you are certain that you have personally accepted Jesus Christ, how does Satan work in your mind to bring about doubt? What do you do to stand up against those attacks?
SUPPLICATION: Where do I need God’s help?
Q- What doubt or discouragement do you need to bring to the Lord in prayer today?
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