1 Samuel 13:19-23 gives us a picture of Satan’s strategy even today. “Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears.”” 1 Samuel 13:19, NKJV.

The Philistines went throughout Israel removing the blacksmiths.  This was a clever strategy that prevented Israel from making their own spears and swords.  They disarmed Israel by removing key men, skilled in forging iron and metal into instruments of war.

I see two things here.  Today our sword is the Word of God.  The enemy has been undermining the Word of God in much of the Church.  The swords have largely been removed and dulled.  Deception is rushing into the Church because many Christians are not adept at using their sword.  There is much ignorance on the whole counsel of God.  There is currently a controversy around Rob Bell’s new book “Love Wins.”  I have not read it, but understand he is questioning the existence of hell.  Not new, but still wrong.  Our main guard against deception in the last days is a thorough understanding of the whole counsel of God, as read in the presence of the Holy Spirit.  The enemy does not want us to have sharp swords nor know how to wield them.

Secondly, he also wants to remove the blacksmiths.  The blacksmiths equipped Israel to wage war.  Spiritually today they equip the church to win her battles as well.  An important blacksmith in the US was just removed.  David Wilkerson was killed in an auto accident yesterday at the age of 79.  I believe the enemy still has the same strategy as in 1 Samuel 13.  Many key leaders around the world are under attack, fighting diseases and attacks of all sorts.  There is a great need for blacksmiths, who are skilled in forging swords and equipping God’s people.  A whole generation of skilled and righteous blacksmiths are moving from the scene.  Where is the new generation?

One time I visited Times Square Church in NY to hear David preach.  I am most familiar with his daily devotional blogs of the past two years.  He has ministered greatly to me through them.  I’ve learned much through him over the years.  He was the first one who taught me to prepare for the coming hard times.  His little book about preparing for the coming economic collapse was a primer for me.  I still remember his bottom line:  to develop a place of intimacy with the Lord so in the midst of great shaking I will be so close to Him I won’t fear but will hear His voice and know He is with me and will provide.  I just read tons of comments about him in Christianity Today website.  Oh how his people loved him.  He helped so many get set free from drugs with his Teen Challenge ministry and bought thousands to the Lord.  He will be greatly missed and the church has one less blacksmith.