Catapult Physics Psalm 119:11 1
A Catapult is a device that uses stored energy to hurl a projectile (the payload), without the use of an explosive. 2
You may be most familiar with the mangonel-type catapult 3
The mangonel-type catapult uses a twisted rope for power. The twisted rope is commonly referred to as a torsion bundle. It consists of several lengths of rope with the arm inserted in between them. The rope is then twisted manually on both sides of the arm using levers. Upon release, the torsion bundle rotates the arm at high speed, launching the payload. This figure illustrates how a torsion bundle is twisted. 4
The most powerful and accurate kind of catapult is the trebuchet which works by using the energy of a falling (and hinged) counterweight to launch a projectile (the payload), using mechanical advantage to achieve a high launch speed. For maximum launch speed the counterweight must be much heavier than the payload, since this means that it will fall quickly. 5
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In any catapult, the payload will be hurled at the speed which the catapult arm reaches. The faster the arm moves the faster the payload will be released at. The rest is as they say, Rocket Science to determine the place the payload will land. 8
The one underlying principle of the catapult is to use stored-up or potential energy and then have it converted to kinetic energy. 9
Do you see any similarities in this to our Christian life? 10
Day by day the Christian goes forth to battle against the forces of sin. But Paul says: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3 5) 11
One translation of verse 5 says We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (ESV) 12
How can we do that? Does God just miraculously give us words and thoughts at the moment that we are engaged in battle? Didn t Jesus say? But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. (Matthew 10:19) 13
The servants of Christ are to prepare no set speech to present when brought to trial for their faith. Their preparation is to be made day by day, in treasuring up in their hearts the precious truths of God s Word, in feeding upon the teaching of Christ, and through prayer strengthening their faith; then, when brought into trial, the Holy Spirit will bring to their remembrance the very truths that will reach the hearts of those who shall come to hear. God will flash the knowledge obtained by diligent searching of the Scriptures, into their memory at the very time when it is needed. 14
You are now to get ready for the time of trial. Now you are to know whether your feet are planted on the Eternal Rock. You must have an individual experience, and not depend upon others for your light. When you are brought to the test, how do you know that you will not be alone, with no earthly friend at your side? Will you then be able to realize that Christ is your support? Will you be able to recall the promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world? There will be invisible ones all about you bent upon your destruction. Satan and his agents will seek in every way to make you waver from your steadfastness to God and His truth. But if you have an eye single to His glory, you need not take thought as to how you shall witness for His truth. 15
Young men and women, are you growing up to the full stature of men and women in Christ, so that when the crisis comes, you cannot be separated from the Source of your strength? If we would stand during the time of test, we must now, in the time of peace, be gaining a living experience in the things of God. We must now learn to understand what are the deep movings of the Spirit of God. Christ must be our all and in all, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Maranatha, p. 255) 16
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11) 17
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