In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. – Ephesians 6:16
Ephesus, like most of Asia Minor, was ruled by Rome. The citizens of the city were used to seeing the empire’s soldiers in their full uniforms marching down the roads of the city. The people were familiar with their armor, which may be why Paul likened the needs of spiritual warfare to wearing the armor the Lord provided. The Roman soldier’s shield was large, about two feet across and four feet long, made of wood, and covered in tough leather. Sometimes the leather would be soaked in water before battle to help fend off the effect of fiery arrows that might come at them. The edges of the shield were beveled so they could be interlocked with other shields. A row of Roman soldiers could kneel beside each other, lock their shields together, and literally form a protective wall.
Faith, the apostle Paul wrote, is what makes up your protective shield. And your shield of faith today is important both individually and together with other believers. This spiritual shield is necessary because you are in a spiritual battle. The flaming darts of the devil will head your way. You, your faith in God, and your testimony before others are threatening to the enemy.
It is your devoted faith in God that pleases Him (Hebrews 11:6). While Satan would like to stop you from pleasing God, praying, depending on the Lord, being encouraged, and hopeful, faith invites God into every circumstance and relies confidently on Him. Pray for members of Congress who are Christ-followers to hold on firmly to their shields of faith. Interlock your faith shield with theirs, and overcome the world (1 John 5:4).
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 6:16
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 11:1-6
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
