The Armor of God (Holy Warriors Part 18)

Today’s readings:

Ephesians 6:10-20

Psalm 144:1-10

We are called to be holy warriors, engaged in spiritual warfare, as we do the work of evangelization and mission. We are called “to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel” (Eph 6:19b). It is God who sends us into battle, and it is God who prepares us, provides for us, and empowers us. “Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.” (Eph 6:10).

* God trains us. “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war” (Ps 144:1).

* God equips us. He gives us “the armor of God” (Eph 6:13a), which consists of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:14-17).

* God protects us. God is “my safeguard and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge” (Ps 144:2a). Thus we can confidently pray: “deliver me from the many waters; rescue me from the hands of foreign foes.” (Ps 144:7b).

* God gives us the victory. God is the One who “subdues peoples under me.” (Ps 144:2b). Thus we can confidently pray: “Flash forth lightning and scatter my foes; shoot your arrows and rout them.” (Ps 144:6).

We are into intense spiritual warfare. We face a formidable diabolical enemy. “For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.” (Eph 6:12). This is God’s fight, but we are His soldiers, His mercynaries. We can only fight this war His way. And God provides what we need. It is up to us to make use of what we desperately need. “Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.” (Eph 6:11).

Holy warriors always look to God. They worship before they go off to war. “O God, a new song I will sing to you; on a ten-stringed lyre I will play for you.” (Ps 144:9). They pray constantly. “With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.” (Eph 6:18a). And that is the key. God responds. “You give victory to kings; you delivered David your servant.” (Ps 144:10).

* * *