Sunday, January 26, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Ephesians 6:10–20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and 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. 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.

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, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. (NRSV)

Reflection

I’ve always struggled with the typical interpretation of this passage — the one that portrays us as being enlisted as soldiers into a wider war against cosmic powers of darkness and spiritual forces. Paul, or whoever wrote Ephesians, certainly does not shy away from militaristic imagery — the entire metaphor is centered around how aspects of our faith provide us armor in the inevitable conflicts to come. And yet I cannot help but feel like seeing the world through this Manichean lens warps our vision and interactions with our neighbors and community: if everyone is viewed as a potential threat, we’ll inevitably see more enemies than siblings in Christ. This is not to discount the presence of evil in the world — rather, it is a deep trust in “the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).

Biblical commentators over the years have helpfully pointed out that the majority of the armor described in this passage is defensive in nature, with the only weapon being God’s word. Perhaps we should interpret this armor as not being meant for battle but primarily for protection in times of trial or tribulation — that truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation can help us endure difficult moments or seasons in our life. All of us will inevitably experience loss and hardship in this life, and Paul certainly had no shortage of those things as well, but we still trust that God is with us through it all. So may we “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power” (Ephesians 6:10) and “pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18).

Prayer
Be with me, O God, in those times when I need your strength and your care to surround me. Help me through the difficult days and seasons that lie ahead — for I trust your love is my beginning and end. Amen.

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Faith Formation

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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