Berserker Bodyguards
“Beloved, I say, let your fears go, lest they make you fainthearted. Stop inspiring fear in those around you and now take your stand in faith. God has been good and He will continue to manifest His goodness. Let us approach these days expecting to see the goodness of the Lord manifest. Let us be strong and of good courage, for the Lord will fight for us if we stand in faith.” - Francis Frangipane
Since Swedes makes up the largest contribution to my DNA, I’ve always been intrigued by the few words that have filtered from Swedish into English: smorgasbord, gauntlet, orienteering, and today’s favorite – berserk!
Nordic legends tell of ferocious Berserkers (from the Swedish words bear and shirt). These wild-eyed warriors whipped themselves into a frenzy and fought with extreme furry – hence the English word, berserk.
But history also tells us that the Berserkers were more than just crazed soldiers. They were also a select group of loyal bodyguards who shielded and protected their king. Anyone wanting to harm the king would face the Berserkers first.
Peter wrote to encourage suffering believers confronting grave challenges. Commenting on these members of God’s family Peter said, “…who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (I Peter 1:5)
Shielded by God’s Power! What an amazing source of security in times of threats, danger, and uncertainty. Not some wild human warrior, but God Himself stands between us and an enemy who would love to harm us and destroy our faith.
Troubles will come, but only to the extent that God, our personal Bodyguard, allows.
Dan Bolin
President
Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc
