Lenten Devotional, Week 6

Called – To Faith
Ephesians 6
Lent, Week 6 – Holy Week

Read Ephesians, Chapter Six.

Throughout Lent the author of Ephesians has been giving us instructions - guidelines - as to how we can live as Christians in a world filled with distractions, discouragement and struggle. Throughout the book we have been reminded over and over again that Christ has brought us together in a community that is stronger than anything that would threaten to divide us. Our unity in Christ is our strength.

So, before closing this letter, the author sends us off with one last important piece of advice:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (vs. 10 – 11)

“Put on the whole armor of God...”

The author knew the days ahead would be difficult and filled with struggles and doubts and fears and persecutions and betrayals and heresies. The author wanted to give them something - some tangible vision they could hang onto in the struggle that was certain to be coming. An image of strength - an image of protection - an image that would carry them through whatever lay ahead. And the armor of the Roman soldier provided the perfect illustration.

• The Belt of Truth: Truth, which holds everything together, that keeps our faith from falling apart.
• The Breastplate of Righteousness: A righteous life, which protects the most vulnerable place - the heart.
• Shoes: Which make us ready to Proclaim the Gospel of Peace to all the world.
• The Shield of Faith: Faith, that allows the flaming arrows to fall harmlessly around us.
• The Helmet of Salvation: Salvation, a protection directly from God.
• The Sword of the Spirit: Spirit, which brings new life – new vitality in God.

What more could we need as we face an uncertain and sometimes frightening world?

And then finally, listen to the closing words:

“Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.” (vs. 23 – 24)

With these words we return to the theme of the book of Ephesians. One last time we hear the plea for peace, love and grace.

All that has been said in the previous five chapters comes down to these final words … peace with each other … love in faith … and grace to all who love Christ.

As we enter into this holiest of weeks, we will walk with Christ and his disciples through trials and betrayals and torture and death. We know the cross is before us. But through Christ, we have been given all we need to not only walk the road to Jerusalem, but to walk it in the sure knowledge and hope of the resurrection that is to come.

That is our common calling – to live in the shadow and the hope of the cross.

Questions to ponder:
1. Which piece or pieces of the “whole armor” are particularly intriguing to you? Which piece do you wish you had better ownership of?

2. Do you sometimes feel as though you are in a battle for your life and faith with forces of evil? How do we finally win that battle, and what do we use to win it?

3. The word “peace” is used frequently in the Bible. How do you define that word, and what would it take for that word to become real throughout our Church and our world?