Armor of Light

This week, I was preparing a special lesson for our Grace Place Youth.  It was basically about “walking in the Light,” as “God is in the light.”  I spoke with them about the wonder of God “giving us light” first to know Him, and then to discover His truth.  It’s amazing when God allows us to see something we’ve never fully understood before.  During the process, I was reminded of this passage.

Rom 13:12 

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

This is a beautiful “word picture” that is easily understood by a child, youth, or adult.  When we are young, someone does all the taking off and putting on of our clothes.   We are simply too young to do it for ourselves.  But there comes a day when we no longer need or want anyone else to change our clothes for us.  The same is true spiritually speaking.  God expects us (spiritually) to do our own “casting off,” and our own “putting on.”

Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light!

Because we walk in a world with “many dangers, toils, and snares,” I love the idea of walking through this dark and evil world dressed in a suit of armor, fashioned by God. I’ve been wearing that armor of light for most of my life, and God reminded me of an old friend, “Psalm 91.”  I didn’t look it up because I always carry it with me.  I began to quote that passage to myself.

Psalm 91:1-4 

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  (2)  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.  (3)  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  (4)  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

“His truth shall be my shield and buckler.”  When we think about putting on the whole armor of God, we know there is a shield of faith and a belt of truth.  It’s not enough to know the bible; we need “light” to receive it, believe it, and make it part of our spiritual DNA. 

And then, his word will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.  Such is life when you are wearing the armor of light.

-Joe