Devotion:
Read Ephesians 6:11-17.
Paul refers to himself as “the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the sake of you Gentiles,” in Ephesians 3:1, and it is likely that Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. I can imagine Paul, sitting and looking at one of his guards, a Roman soldier, as he dictated the letter. Rome seemed undefeatable with its mighty army at that time in the 1st Century. Its soldiers were some of the best-equipped and most highly trained in their world. Looking at that soldier, with his wide belt, breastplate, shield, and sword, Paul painted a beautiful picture for us of what we need for the journey.
For example, the Roman shield would have been made of wood, and a soldier would soak his shield in water before battle so that flaming darts or arrows shot at him could be impaled and extinguished in the shield. Paul uses that shield to illustrate our being armed with faith to protect us from the assaults and temptations of evil. Along with our faith, we must be armed and protected with truth, righteousness, salvation, and God’s word. If we neglect any of the pieces of our armor, we are vulnerable. Paul reminds us to put on the full armor of God, ready and prepared for our spiritual journey.
Personal Worship Option:
We do not often think of life as a battle, requiring us to wear armor. But this is a very helpful illustration of what we need in order to face life and live as Christians, resisting evil, injustice, and oppression. Pray today for the opportunity to do just that.
No comments:
Post a Comment