by Kala Loptien

The Ultimate Defense

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to

withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

Today is an important and intentional day. Today, we take time to recognize, remember and honor those who have selflessly sacrificed to defend our country and ensure our safety. Countless men and women have dedicated their lives to fight for the freedom of all. They leave their homes to put on a uniform and step into the battlefield…on our behalf. So, before we continue, let’s each take a moment now to pay tribute…

In 1st grade, we put on our armor each morning. The chorus of 6-year-old voices resounds in my head: “The breastplate of righteousness; the belt of truth; the boots of peace; the helmet of salvation; the shield of faith; and the sword of the spirit.” It’s adorable and also powerful. But it’s also something I realized I should be doing every morning when I rise (probably several times a day)! Paul provides the perfect script.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17 ESV

To put it bluntly: we have an enemy. He seeks to isolate, divide, conquer and devour. The world – in its broken, sinful, lost state – feels like a never-ending battleground. On our own, we do not have a defense. But we are strong in the Lord. Our Savior went into battle for us, defeating sin, death and the devil. We are delivered and free. On earth, we take time to thank and remember our brave service men and women who continue to fight on our behalf. With our life, we live as people redeemed, fully reliant, in reverence to our Heavenly Father. We claim His victory. It’s time to armor up.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado