September 7, 2012 - Friday of the 13 th Week after Trinity

Daily Lectionary: 2 Kings 4:48 - 5:8; Ephesians 6:1-24

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:1-24)

Knights pledged their lives to the kingdom to which they were bound. Because of this they were constantly under attack. From every angle men desired to pierce them, crush them, and destroy them because of the allegiance for which they stood. Men plotted and hatched schemes concerning the best way to find the chink in their armor so that they could take their lives and with it the victory.

Satan also plots, schemes, and looks for the weakest chink in our armor in which to thrust the blade into our souls and thus win the victory. But the victory has already been won by Christ on the cross. We as Christians are still under attack by Satan and his forces, yet we have the assurance of the completely sufficient sacrifice of Christ on the cross that sustains our souls from the evil one. It is a wonderful thing that Christ has given His grace, mercy, and peace to us in Baptism and constantly equips us with His Holy Supper, that we would be sheltered from the attacks.

It is true that we do not wrestle with flesh and blood but against the ruler of this world. Yet Christ works in us and sustains us from all evil and keeps Himself in our hearts and in our minds that we, even though we die, will surely live! Praise be to Christ who equips us, His saints, for every good work! In the Name of + Jesus. Amen.

Hope of the world, O Christ, o'er death victorious, Who by this sign did conquer grief and pain: We would be faithful to Thy Gospel glorious; Thou art our Lord! Thou dost forever reign! (LSB 690:5)

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