SUNDAY OF THE HOLY TRINITY
June 12, 2022
“Taking Up the Whole Armor of God”
Jesus never promised his disciples and those listening to him that their lives would be comfortable, secure, or safe if they chose to follow him. If anything, he warned them of the danger and sacrifice that lay ahead. No rosy pictures of status and worldly importance were painted, and there were no promises of prosperity and ease. Rather, Jesus lived a humble life of service, teaching, healing, and sharing the gospel of forgiveness with all people.
Following Christ’s commandment as his ministry on earth came to an end, his disciples traveled over ever-widening areas to spread the Gospel. As new churches were established, the Apostle Paul wrote, encouraging and advising them. Governments, churches, and other entities felt threatened by the new, radical teachings, and Paul spoke of the hardships and risks of claiming the faith, as he wrote in the final chapter of Ephesians:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God . . . fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10, 14-17)
As we read this dramatic description of the cosmic powers of darkness and the spiritual forces of evil, there is no question that this struggle spans time and space. As Christians, we are called upon to stand up to these powers, and are provided with the whole armor of God, which equips us with all that we need to strengthen and protect us. However filled with conflict, destruction and loss this world is, this is not all there is or will be. We are given the gift of faith through the grace of God, and so are called to be that light in a world of darkness, that voice of love and hope that is beyond our human comprehension, because we have the assurance of God’s eternal promises.
Every day, around the world, people are faced with darkness and evil, but we are not alone or unprotected. Truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and God’s word are not only weapons, they are instruments of peace, and they carry the power of the Creator of the Universe. The conflict between the forces of good and evil has always existed, but we are assured that, however discouraging and frightening times may be, there is refuge and strength in God and his eternal Word.
Feeling the strength of God’s power,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers