Symbols in an ancient carpet.

Seen in an ancient church.

What were they thinking? Symbols with meanings lost in time. That is not a worm with eyes and mouth. Why is a snake intentionally placed where all can see? Perhaps the church needed to be constantly reminded of a spiritual reality? One that helped them to live victoriously in Christ. I would like to think the following words were true of them.

“I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” (1 John 2 14)

I would like to think that the fathers didn’t just leave a symbol on the floor. If they knew “Him who has been from the beginning” they would have taught their children about  God’s enemy. These fathers would have prepare their children with the word of God. They would have repeated the words of the apostle Paul.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)

I would like to think that the children would have believed their fathers. Because they believed, they paid attention when their fathers told them to stand firm. These children were established in truth and knew they were eternally safe because of Christ’s righteousness, not there own.  Prepared with the Gospel of Peace their faith would overcome the attacks of the evil one. Not doubting their salvation they defeated the enemy with “the sword (power) of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17)

But then again it may only have been a pretty carpet covering the floor of a priest’s parlor. Simply the art of the carpet maker lacking any deeper meaning.  Although it is worn with time it is still useful. The carpet enabled me to remind you of something very important. “The armor of God.”