Armor Bearers & Adjutants

The Butlers have served our leaders faithfully for many years, in their capacities as Armor Bearers and Adjutants. The Ministry of the Armor Bearer: "armor bearer" -- Hebrew: (nasa or nacah) -- "to lift, to advance, to bear up;" (keliy) (kalah) -- "to end, to destroy utterly, to complete". Scripture References: 1 Samuel 16:21 -- David and Saul, John 15:13. The main duty of an armor bearer is to stand beside a leader to assist him, lift him up, and to protect him against any enemy that might attack him. 

1 Samuel 14:1-23 is a classic example of humility and diligence of a biblical armor bearer. It is the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer. He won victories and routed his enemies while his leader received the glory. lt's an account of one who trusted his officer, even in what may have appeared to be a whim, as one who takes his place behind the leader, never striving to get in front.

One of the main differences between armor bearing in the Old Testament and in the New Testament is that in the Old Testament, the enemy was a physical one. In the New Testament, enemies are spiritual. (Ephesians 6:12). This does not mean that the armor bearer has fewer responsibilities. The attitude of the heart must still be the same.

The Ministry of the Adjutant: Adjutant -- One who helps or assists; "Adjuvare" -- Latin; The term "Adjutant" is derived from a military culture.

[Excerpts taken from The Lost Art of Order: Protocol and Service Manual, by the Most Reverend Loletha D. Jefferson]