- Sun and Shield
Psalm 84:11a
For the Lord God is a sun and shield:
The metaphor of God being a sun and a shield refers essentially to governing, protecting and defending. The “sun” is a ruler; a “shield” is a suzerain. Both terms designate the king whose primary job is to protect and defend his realm and his subjects from marauding enemies who threaten to plunder, steal and destroy lives and property, health and prosperity.
The sun and the shield also do things: the sun shines over all it sees and rules over the day, providing light, warmth and life to all. The shield, or suzerain, protects the subjects of the kingdom and stands between the enemy and us. All people need a strong provider and protector, for no one can bless his own life nor defend himself from all danger all alone. It is a given that without God we could not live and breathe, and it is also true that without God we could not live well.
Humans are paradoxical: they desperately need the protection, blessing and help of someone stronger than they are, but they stubbornly resist and rebel against anyone in authority over them. We know we need a boss, yet we don’t want a boss. When Jesus brought to mankind the kingdom of God he brought the rule of God over our lives. This rule is both resisted and welcomed by the people whom the kingdom is designed to bless. We, as selfish sinful humans, finally overcome our inner rebellious and independent spirit of self-will and submit to the Kingdom of God when we see the humble and tender Love of God displayed in the life and death of Jesus. The Holy Spirit uses this Gospel message to bring about faith in Christ, which I both need and resist. We submit to the Love of God; God becomes a sun and shield over us; we are secure and safe, happy and blessed. He is our beneficent ruler and faithful sovereign to provide and protect according to his promise and bless according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.