Ephesians 6:10-24
Dear RTB’ers,
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (v. 11) This statement is the essence of the main item in today’s reading. Although it’s such an obvious point, my Study Bible pointed out that this body armor is for individual fighting and protection, as opposed to most of the battles that we read in Scripture of army against army. So this whole armor of God is there for us to do individual battle with the evil one. It’s interesting to go back to Isaiah 59, from where Paul draws two (or three) pieces of this body armor: The LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then His own arm brought Him salvation, and His righteousness upheld Him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself in zeal as a cloak. (Isaiah 59:15b-17) Interestingly, it is God Himself who is clothing Himself with this armor.
I’m going a bit off the mark here with a second comment. Paul asks his readers for prayer: …praying at all times in the Spirit, … making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel… (vv. 18a-19) Many of you heard Kelly this past Sunday announcing that I will be delivering the sermon at St. Andrew’s this coming Sunday, July 6. So, as Paul requests prayer for himself, so I also ask for your prayers for my preparation and my delivery. I’ve given economic lectures and presentations to hundreds of people, with very little nervousness in facing these audiences. Delivering a sermon over Scriptural texts, speaking to God’s people – it’s a bit more nerve-racking. So, I request your prayers on my behalf. Thank you for that.
Blessings!
See also: December 20 (2023) / Ephesians 4:17-6:24.