Jesus said,
Deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:13b
To protect their soldiers, the military graciously provides helmets and body armor.
So here’s the question: If a soldier is wise in battle does he wear the protection provided for him? (Of course.)
That’s how it works in our battle against generic evil and the literal evil one.
· God’s part is to provide helmets and body armor.
· Our part is to put on the whole armor that God provides!
You’re probably familiar with the Apostle’s Ephesian 6 admonition to put on all the forms of protection that God supplies, including the belt of truth (to help us stand tall), the breastplate of (to guard our hearts), the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation (to guard our thoughts), and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (our only offensive weapon to strike back.)
Since you are probably familiar with this, indeed, I want you to hear this in a different – but very powerful -- way. The Message paraphrase renders Ephesians 6 like this …
And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong.
So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.
This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.
Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.
In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters.
Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Recommit yourself to putting on every piece of God’s armor.
In Christ’s Love,
a soldier who is
more like Achilles
(I leave parts of my heart
and mind exposed)
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