As I have previously taught, the King James word "armourbearer" was translated from two Hebrew words. The first is nasa or nacah (naw-saw'). This is a primary word meaning "to lift." It has a great variety of applications, both figuratively and literally.
Some of the more interesting applications are to: accept, advance, bear, bear up, carry away, cast, desire, furnish, further, give, help, hold up, lift, pardon, raise, regard, respect, stir up, yield.
The second Hebrew word is keliy (kel-e^), which comes from the root word kalah (kaw-law'), meaning "to end." Some of the applications of this root word are to: complete, consume, destroy utterly, be done, finish, fulfill, long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance.
From these two Hebrew words, we can see the duty of the armorbearer was to stand beside his leader to assist him, to lift him up, and to protect him against any enemy that might attack him. In Old Testament days, he was the one responsible for carrying his master's shield into battle. He had the awesome responsibility of seeing to the safety of his officer.
How About Today
In the life of every Christian, God has established a certain order of priorities. Both the armorbearer and the person he is serving should follow these priorities, if they are to live faithful Christian lives. In descending order of importance, these priorities are:
1. Relationship with God
2. Relationship with spouse
3. Relationship with children
4. Employment, ministry, or work
One of the main differences between armorbearing in the Old Testament and in the New Testament is the fact that in Old Testament days the duty of an armorbearer was priority number one.
In the New Testament, armorbearing is priority number four. This doesn't mean that today's armorbearer is to take less than necessary care of his responsibility. His position is a God-given one, and he must be a good steward of that duty. Although the physical roles may have changed, the attitude of the heart must be the same.
The position of armorbearer is not likely to be one to which God would call a person for only a short period of time; rather, it remains a position of devotion and heartfelt loyalty.
Bloom Where You Are Planted
In comparing this office to the office of an associate or any position of the ministry, the individual must realize that God has not called him to use that position as a stepping stone. We have seen this happen so many times in the Body of Christ, and it is a reproach to God.
If a person feels that the only reason God has him where he is now is so he can be promoted to "something bigger and better," then it's sad to say but that individual is operating in the world's system. This type of individual says, "Whoever offers me the most money or authority gets my services."
Did you ever stop and ask God if your current position is the one He has chosen for you, if where you are now is where He wants you to be? It makes no difference what the salary or working conditions are like; what really matters is whether God has called you to that job and place.
While serving my pastor, I have had two opportunities to become the pastor of another church. Both of these were good churches, and at the time of the offers the pay would have been better than what I was receiving where I am. Besides all that, I could have been the pastor, rather than an associate. If I had operated by the world's system, I would have jumped at the "chance for advancement" But the Kingdom of God does not operate that way.
I know that I am in God's divinely appointed position for me. That is how I pray for the people who come to join the staff in our church. I say, "Lord, send us the people who are divinely appointed by You to be here and work with us."
Unless your people are divinely called and sent to you by the Lord, you do not want them.
I understand that there will be times when God will separate a person from his current position. That moment may come for you one day. But if it does come, you and your pastor will know in the spirit that it is time for a change, and that the separation will be best for all concerned, especially the Kingdom of God.
On my office wall there hangs a plaque which reads: "Bloom where you are planted." I believe and practice that principle, which is based on God's Word. My life is a testimony that the Word of God works.
As armorbearers we must prove ourselves faithful where God has "planted" us. Let God exalt and promote you where you are. If you will be diligent, faithful, humble and motivated by the heart of a servant, you will find the principles of God's Word working for you.
The Bible tells us, "Humble yourself before God, and He will exalt you" (1 Pet. 5:6). I know in my heart that if God ever says it's time for me to leave this position and move on to another, the pastor and I will both know it.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
