The extinction of the dodo bird has beenΒ so well known for such a long time that itΒ has given rise to the expression, βdead as aΒ dodo.β There is, however, another dodo thatΒ we fear is also on the verge of extinction:
βEleazar the son of Dodoβ¦smote theΒ Philistines until his hand was weary, andΒ his hand clave unto the sword: and the LordΒ wrought a great victory that dayβ¦β (II Sam.Β 23:9,10).
Eleazarβs name appears here among a listΒ of βthe mighty men whom David hadβ (v. 8),Β and in smiting the Philistines until βhis hand clave unto the swordβΒ and they literally had to pry his fingers from the hilt, this dedicatedΒ soldier proved himself mighty indeed! What an inspiration this makesΒ him to those of us who are called upon by God to βendure hardness, asΒ a good soldier of Jesus Christβ (II Tim. 2:3)βand that would include allΒ who name the name of Christ.
It is the duty of every believer to βputΒ on the whole armour of Godβ (Eph. 6:11), armor which includes βtheΒ sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Godβ (Eph. 6:17). ContinueΒ to use it even when someone tells you they donβt believe the BibleΒ is Godβs Word. No soldier ever sheathed his sword just because hisΒ opponent said he didnβt believe it would cut! source
