WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ARMOR - Sadell Bradley 08/21/19 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"The military's own report says that one-third of deaths and casualties could have been avoided if proper body armor and vehicle armor had been provided from the start of the war." - John Olver - Politician  

 

ARMOR is defined as the metal coverings formerly worn by soldiers or warriors to protect the body in battle; or the tough metal layer covering a military vehicle or ship to defend it from attack. Outside of the US military, the coolest example of an armored vehicle I've seen is the Batmobile. At the push of a button or a spoken word, its strong defenses roll into place within just a few seconds and the hero is shielded from an array of bullets and grenades. The tail winged, technologically advanced motorcar is more than a high-speed pursuit vehicle; it is critical defensive and offensive weaponry of the highest form that saves. Bruce Wayne would be a goner without the body and automotive armor specifically designed for him. He would just be a regular vulnerable and defenseless bloke without that armor.  

 

It's hard to talk about AMOR without giving a nod to Ephesians 6:10-17. There, Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God in order to stand when the day of evil comes. He emphasizes that our battles are not with flesh and blood. Our true warfare is against the powers of the world's darkness and against spiritual forces in heavenly realms. This is a great reminder when conflicts arise and we want to make them about people. If we do not see the higher reality and apply the ARMOR of God, we are susceptible to the enemy's attacks.   

  

In 1 Samuel 17, Goliath and the Philistine military, are taunting the armies of Israel to send an opponent to engage in a deathmatch. The Israeli soldiers were in fear, including king Saul and David's brothers. David accepts the challenge confident that with the LORD's help, he will defeat the 'uncircumcised Phillistine,' and gain a victory for Israel. In verses 38-39, Saul tries to help David by giving him his armor, "Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." And David took them off."  David proceeds to defeat the giant with his own clothing and simple weaponry: a slingshot, 5 smooth stones, superior skills, and the hand of the LORD.  

 

The Batsuit was designed to fit only Bruce Wayne. In the same way, David could not fulfill his assignment with another man's armor...not even the armor of a king. There are people whom you admire greatly, but they'll never be you. You want to have what they have and do what they do, but that might not be what God wants for you. Letting go of comparisons and being yourself will probably bring you great relief. Have you been trying to fight a battle or fulfill your assignment with someone else's armor?