Scripture:
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13)
Reading:
Do you picture Jesus as a warrior? Thanks to the illustrators of a childhood book, I grew up envisioning Jesus gently holding the faces of smiling children.
I doubt ancient Jewish children imagined the Messiah this way at all. In fact, the Old Testament makes it clear that their image was that of a warrior (Isaiah 11:4-5, 59:17, 63:1).
When Paul tells us, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes,” (Ephesians 6:11) he is teaching us to be like Christ, who was a warrior, engaged against a cunning spiritual enemy.
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12)
We are instructed to put on the Lord’s armor of light, an armor made of faith and love and hope. These are the essential traits of Christ’s as we step into our daily battles. This armor is practical and effective, rooted in an awareness that we are in a profound love story set in the midst of an epic war.
“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
Because Satan has no power over the Lord (John 14:30), we intentionally come under the authority of Christ, or put on His armor, where the evil one cannot touch us.
“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.” (1 John 5:18)
Ephesians 6:14-15 reveals that Christ has already covered you in elements of His armor when you placed your trust in Him. Now, it is your responsibility to accept His strength, stand firm, and pray. The One who holds your face has won the war.
Your Turn:
1. If passivity is in opposition to what God asks of His children, what part of Ephesians 6:10-20 can you
act on today? Resist temptation? Stand firm in God’s truth? Pray drawing from the Lord’s strength?
2. Prayer is the weapon that grants us intimate contact with God whose Spirit activates and strengthens each piece, allowing us to stand strong in faith. Surrender yourself to a time in prayer.
Pray:
Thank You, Heavenly Father, that You have not left me defenseless as I face the battles of life. As I pray, guide me through the principles of the Lord’s armor that I may stand strong in His strength. Thank You for equipping me for victory. In my Savior’s mighty name, I pray. Amen.