August 23, 2015: Ephesians 6:10-20

Ephesians 6:10-20

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹²For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. ¹⁴Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. ¹⁵As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.¹⁶With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

¹⁹Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. 

Reflection:

                As you grow up and read the Bible you hear stories of people standing up for God and being courageous prophets: Elijah, Daniel, David, Esther, Moses, Paul and the early church. These people risked everything to proclaim God's Word, worship God, and protect the people of God. While these stories are inspiring, I often cannot relate. I have not risked life and limb to proclaim the Word of God, as a Christian in the United States do not risk losing my job, being ostracized, or imprisonment as Paul and the early church did. How can I "wear the armor of God?"

                The metaphor of the armor of God is not limited to fighting persecution or dying for one's faith. The armor represents boldness, truth, righteousness, salvation, and prayer. We can practice these things at all times and in all places. As you get dressed this morning, think about truth, righteousness, faith, and prayer. Remember that are physical bodies are gifts from God and can be a tool for God's work.

Questions:

1. How can I declare the gospel boldly?

2. In what ways do I avoid being bold concerning my faith?

3. How can I use myself as an instrument of God's work in the world?

 
Prayer: Triune God, Thank you for your many blessings in my life; help me to use these blessing, including my feet, hands, arms and legs, as tools for your work in the world. In Jesus' name. Amen.