Day 271

Isaiah 54:1–57:14; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 24:8

TODAY WE CONCLUDED Ephesians, where together we climbed to some of the most beautiful vistas of our faith and looked with wonder at what God has done for us and what His work means for our lives.

In light of the treasures of the gospel found in this letter, Paul chose to close with what have become some of the most quoted portions of the New Testament:

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Have you ever truly considered the implications of these words? If Paul’s words are true, then our reality is far more vast than we’re usually paying attention to. That would explain much. For example, if “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies,” then why are flesh-and-blood battles the ones we choose? If the issues that manifest themselves in our daily lives are influenced by the spiritual realms, is it any wonder that we’re confused when we ignore or diminish this reality?

Paying attention to the spiritual battles of our lives doesn’t mean figuring out which principality made you oversleep and late for work, however. Paying attention and navigating from a spiritual place require being present to the Holy Spirit.

All of this was a lead-in for Paul. He didn’t close the letter by simply giving us a spiritual context for our physically human lives. Rather, he gave us one last treasure —a peek at the resources God has given us to truly navigate this world: the armor of God.

It is highly unlikely that any of us are going to walk around naked today, even if we don’t go out our front doors. With this in mind, why do we so often walk around naked spiritually and then blame God when we are blindsided?

We must put on the belt of truth. This holds everything together. If we don’t walk in truth (within ourselves and with everyone else), the very element that holds everything else in place will be missing.

We must also put on the body armor (or breastplate) of righteousness. According to Paul’s metaphor, God’s righteousness is the one thing that will protect our hearts —and it is available to us. As Paul told us, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God —truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Additionally, our shoes are to be the peace that comes from the Good News. Our awareness of the goodness of God and His rescue of our lives prepares us for whatever we walk into. Wherever we go, so goes the Good News.

As a shield, our faith can stop the fiery arrows of the devil. As we’ve learned, faith is the activator of everything. If our faith is rooted in the reality of the gospel, nothing can penetrate it. Only in lowering our shield through doubt do we become vulnerable.

Our helmet is salvation. It protects our minds. Our awareness that we are righteous before God and our participation in experiencing friendship and intimacy with Him, as a beloved child, continually renews our identity.

According to Paul, suiting up like this will protect us. But we are also given the offensive weapon in the form of the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. This goes much deeper than simply assuming, “I read my Bible, and when I do, I’m swinging my sword at the devil.” Consider the implications. When God speaks, things are created from nothing. From our reading in Isaiah today, God said of His word, “It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it” (Isaiah 55:11). How could we understate or underestimate that kind of power? This is what we must carry at the ready.

Lastly, we are to participate by praying “in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion” (Ephesians 6:18). An ongoing discussion with God is possible —one that will instruct us and inform our decisions. That we can have continual communion and interaction with the Holy Spirit is profoundly good news.

If we consider the entire scope of Ephesians and then consider all that we have been given in order to navigate our lives, we’d have to agree that we are equipped. God has given us what we need to operate fully as His sons and daughters in this world.

If you’ve ever wondered how Jesus could navigate as a human being in this fallen world the way He did, now you know. And, according to Paul, all that he is describing is already ours. Ephesians reveals what God has bestowed on us and how to partake of it. What are we waiting for?

MEDITATION:

The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.