01/14-2020
We travel the sandy wilderness of life, time, and across the perilous pits of sin; like skittering ants we run because the way ahead is fraught with danger. The funneled traps of ant lions have been constructed everywhere to bring us to our demise as we seek the holiness, and righteousness of God... these traps are the work of Satan, but we are instructed to clothe ourselves each day in the armor of God, and promised to be defended by His strong right arm... so that in His care we can walk boldly in faith, and find His truth sustains us against Satan’s schemes.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV
We all like to think that our world is a safe place, and that God will protect us no matter where we go, but we need to realize that although God gives us strength, defenses, and His protection, we are not meant to test Him in these things. Listen to what Jesus said when Satan tempted Him...
“Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"”
Matthew 4:5-7 ESV
When I was young, and school was in recess, I would leave my parent’s house in the morning and wander freely in the forests surrounding our home until darkness approached. Sometimes I would walk to the small town that was just down the way, but when I did so I was careful not to visit certain areas because I knew they were rough and full of danger. Did I think that God would abandon me there? No, but I knew it was wrong to test Him in this way. In the Forest I stayed in those places I knew well, and in town I remained in the areas that were civilized, and where trouble was less likely to erupt. I knew I was not meant to weary God in this way. (And that I would get a spanking if my parents found me disobeying them by being there!)
“But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test." And he said, "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also?”
Isaiah 7:12-13 ESV
But we live in the world, and not all evil can be avoided. Sometimes Satan comes out of His frequent haunts and stalks us. He was bold enough to enter into the Garden of Eden to tempt Adam and Eve, and He entered into the courts of Heaven to challenge God concerning man, and was allowed to test Job...
“Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord.”
Job 2:1 ESV
Because Satan ranges this widely we have been given protection against him, God has given us His truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and prayer. We are guided, and taught all of these things by reading, and trusting in the Holy Word of God.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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. 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, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:11-18 ESV
So, we find ourselves in a physically, and spiritually dangerous place. We have been given armor, and weapons to protect us against it, and we have been offered instruction so that we can avoid it all together. However the question remains... will we use these things that God has so graciously provided us, or throw them all to the wind, and choose to test God each time trouble erupts? We need to ask ourselves how we are approaching our life of faith, and if we are fully clothing ourselves in His armor, and obeying His will.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the armor you clothe us in, and the weapons you provide us as protection against the dark one. Thank you for your Holy Word that instructs us, and your will that leads us through this life by doing only those things that instruct us to faithfully serve you. Help us to remain within arm’s distance of you at all times, and teach us the pitfalls of living a life that tests you at every turn. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who gives us protection, defense, and provides us escape from evil. We praise your name Lord, and seek to follow your will, your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as we endeavor to travel safely through life, dedicated to you. Oh Merciful Father, we offer up thanks for all you do in our lives each day, and for your love that brings us peace and comfort in the face of a tumultuous world. All glory is yours Father, and is made perfect by your grace which flows from Jesus. Hear our prayers, and fit your armor perfectly to us. Witness our worship Father, now, and forevermore.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV
Rich Forbes