The shield of the Roman soldier was long and rectangular in shape…and almost as tall as he was. Its protection was superb, and when groups of soldiers closed ranks, fit the shields together, and advanced as one, the line was impenetrable. They would also hold the shields overhead, forming a circle of protection from arrows flying down from enemy walls above. Our saving faith…that firm and confident belief in Jesus and His Gospel covers us with complete protection from the devil. And when the Body of Believers band together with our shields of faith…we are unstoppable…we are victorious.
Tag: armor of God
Ephesians 6: 14-15 ” Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
The first piece of equipment the Roman soldier put on was his belt…and the first thing every morning, we too need to be equipping ourselves with the truth from the Word of God. The only way we will ever be able to withstand the barrage of the enemy is with Truth. The breastplate was then hooked onto the belt… covering the vital organs, especially the heart. When we’re in right relationship, or right standing with God, our heart is protected from the flaming darts of the enemy. Finally, some historians credit the footwear of the Roman army as one of the greatest reasons why they were so victorious. Their shoes had spikes in the soles enabling them to maintain tremendous stance and balance whatever the terrain. When you know who you are in Christ and have that confidence…your “spiked soul ” enables you to stand firm and unmoved by the enemy threats and lies.
Ephesians 6:12 ” For our strength is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
It’s the age-old battle of good versus evil…but the battle isn’t against our fellow-man, but against what initiates the evil within us. The armor of God isn’t made for battles with man. Rather, its strength and protection is for battles from forces so powerful that without it we would be completely defenseless. It’s made for battles far beyond what we can comprehend…and battles that come from deep within.
Ephesians 6:13 ” Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
When you think of standing, you think of a stationary condition. But if your standing, you’re not retreating…you may not be forging ahead, but you’re not going backwards either. There are times in our lives when standing will be the only thing we can do at the time…but be encouraged, the Lord says to hold your ground and stand firm against the enemy, and you will be the victor.