Jesus told his disciples, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” A world filled with wolves is a dangerous place for a sheep that is not immune to the threats and attacks and the distractions and temptations that press in on all sides. Yet Jesus sends us out into the world as His instruments of peace and healing for the world as we deliver and live out the Gospel message to the world. Paul teaches us here that we are to be strong in the Lord as we walk in the strength of His might by putting on the armor of God to protect us against the schemes of the evil one. Paul reminds us that as we go out into the world we are engaging with very real and powerful evil spiritual forces and we need God’s armor to withstand their attacks and to stand firm in the Lord.
When Paul wrote this letter he was in a Roman prison where he had ample opportunity to see Roman guards and soldiers with their heavy armor ready for battle. Paul uses this metaphor to teach us about the armor of God that we are to wear daily as we head out into the world. We are to fasten ourselves with the belt of truth upon which hangs the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. We have confidence as we have quick access to the truth as it is tightly fastened at our side. The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart where attackers will have trouble wounding us if we have done nothing wrong. Having shoes on our feet is a sign of our readiness to preach the Gospel message on the spur of the moment. The word Paul uses for shield here is the tall, oblong, thick shield that a soldier can protect his entire body with. We are to take up this large shield of faith which protects us from the fiery darts of the evil one. Even a small wound to the head can destroy us so we are to put on the helmet of salvation from Christ which protects us through every experience. We are to take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The Bible is our sword – our only weapon that allows us to go on the offensive against our enemy. Finally, we are to pray in the Spirit at all times where prayer is our lifeline wherein God re-supplies us with everything we need for spiritual battle.
Prayer: O gracious God if you are for us who can stand against us? We praise you for the victory which you have given us through Jesus Christ. Encourage us today and give us wisdom to put on your whole armor as we venture out to share your Good News with the world. Amen.
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