February 16th, 2013
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Weapons of Mass Protection

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Opening Prayer

Thank You, Lord. You are my rock of refuge, my strong fortress, and will protect me in my daily struggles.

Read Ephesians 6:10-24

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. [19] Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. [21] Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. [22] I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. [23] Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

“The Christian life is no safe harbor, secure from storms and struggle. Those who are members of this promised kingdom are, with Christ, at war with the powerful” (William Willimon).

Think Further

Paul’s “finally” is a word of deep encouragement. He will sign off with reminders and his greetings (21-24), reminding them again of the grace which has been his theme throughout the letter. Before that, he wants to help them as they face the trials and temptations which come upon believers at any time. So, he urges them to avail themselves of the protection of the Holy Spirit and to pray for themselves and for him (18-20).

Prayer and protection are good companions. The Spirit helps us with both. Paul lists the armor which our faith makes available to resist the attacks against our faith and ourselves. We can hear the metal clank in his metaphors as swords, shields, helmets, belts and breastplates are all put in place, ready for the fight. Yet these protections are not material ones, and might not do much against deadly missiles or bullets. They offer deeper protection, however. For the real human fight is against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness (12). Christians, above all others, need to be on guard against these and be ready and able to resist.

Paul knows well that spiritual wickedness in high places often seeps down to material wickedness on earth. This is still true today. The challenge against God’s rule of love is war waged in the spiritual realm. The earth is its battlefield, and clashes with spiritual evil can end up very bloody and brutal. Greed, power, inhumanity, tyranny and murder are fed by the earthly weapons that are produced and purveyed across the world. We hear Paul’s urgency as he pleads with us to keep alert, to persevere in prayer for other Christians. Today, let’s commit ourselves to pray for protection for those who are facing the desperate heat of the battle.

Apply

How well prepared for spiritual warfare are you? How can you put on the armor Paul commends? Who needs your prayers of protection?

Closing prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You have won the battle with sin and Satan, and today I embrace that victory. Thank You!

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