Day 5 - Sunday

Day 5

 

"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)

 

Armor is protective equipment.  Paul admonishes the Ephesians to put on every piece of God's armor.  Strange picture – Christians in armor.  But notice the purpose of the armor that God gives the child of God…"so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil." 

 

Paul's concern for the church is that they would be able to make a stand against the evil that reigns in the world.  And he sees our protection found in the "armor" which is several characteristics:  salvation, righteousness, peace, truth and faith. 

 

Christ is our salvation…he is our righteousness.  He is the Prince of Peace and his Spirit leads us into all truth.  And of course, he is the author and finisher of our faith.  The armor beckons us to put on Christ Himself. 

 

There is a story in the Old Testament of three young Hebrew men who held high positions in the king of Babylon's court.  When the king decided to order the nation to bow down and worship the idol made in the king's image, they refused and were sentenced to death by fire in the furnace.  Going into the furnace, the men declared, "our God will deliver us, but even if he does not, we will never bow." 

 

And into the furnace they went, but soon there was a stir by those who looked on, as they began to see movement in the furnace.  Though the fire had been turned up seven times hotter, the men were still alive, and not alone.  There was one who looked like the son of God standing with them in the midst of the fire!

 

When we take on the armor of God, putting Christ on, we find that we can resist the evil that the world throws at us.  No matter the fire, we will survive, without even the stench of smoke.

Prayer:  "Lord, today, I choose to put on Christ.  I choose to take on your salvation, your righteousness, your peace, your truth and your faith.  Protect me though I face the fires of life, and let me live to declare your victory.  In your name, Amen."