August 22nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Ephesians 6:10-20 (New Revised Standard)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 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. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

Reflection

Posted is a picture of my daughter Stephanie, taking a stand for something she cared deeply about. This look was a common look that Steph would take at times when she felt wronged or angry about something. The passage above is, in the end, about taking a stand. Will you stand with God?

The tools of a Roman soldier ready for battle are depicted in this passage. Perhaps Paul was using the example of someone with him guarding him while he was secured with chains in prison. Paul seeks for other Christians to stand by him in prayer as he continues to speak the mystery of the gospel to all the world. 

We find strength in God. In God alone can we receive salvation. There is a battle ground in which we exist. A battle between good and evil. We must declare our position. As Christians our position must be completely on the side of God. Being on the side of God we arm ourselves to stand against evil. So, we see in this passage a detail of that armor. 

We stand with God in truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Spirit of God. We stand in prayer and supplication at all times knowing that we are not the first nor are we the last of all the saints to persevere.

And with this armor we take a stand with God. Our choice is clear. Our armor is all the protection we will need. Our pain is real yet our resolve is unending. Thus we stand against evil forces that oppose the church. This is a struggle that goes beyond the physical and into the spiritual realm. A struggle that has been met with the power of God through Christ Jesus. A struggle that only Jesus can win and has won. In prayer and the company of Christ along with the fruits of the Spirit we stand with God to meet this struggle. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, you have given in totality all that is needed to take a stand with you. Here I stand, by your side... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen