The Armor of God..and Coronavirus

You see them all, and I see them too, people who refuse to allow this stay at home, or safer at home order to keep them down, and with a lack of PPE available at the beginning of this thing, they had to get a little creative. So, they dawned their armor. Some wearing nylon gloves and N95 masks; but others had on those yellow dish washing gloves, or welder’s mits; they put bandannas across their faces; or made masks from old socks; there were even pictures going around the internet of people wearing scuba masks, plastic bags, and milk jugs across their faces. Why? Because the treat of the Coronavirus was too strong for them to go out without protection.

We hear the same thing in Governor Northam’s new regulations for going out- face masks are recommended and some are hinting at required. Many businesses will not let you in without a mask, and many employees cannot work without gloves on to keep from spreading this virus around- the threat it too severe to risk going out without protection.... and we lock eyes with Ephesians chapter 6 this morning....

God gives us a warning a lot like Governor Northam does.... do not go out unprotected- IT IS TOO DANGEROUS. The Devil is out there, and he wants to harm you, to kill you, to abolish you, and you must protect yourself.

Listen to what 1 Peter 5:8 says about the Devil “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” A lion? Are you crazy. If you are getting ready to leave for work one morning and your neighbor calls and says there is a lion in your back yard, what is your response? Strap a couple steaks to your back and head on out to the truck? Probably not. The threat of a lion is nothing to scoff at.

When people tell you there is a threat coming we take action to protect ourselves, our families, and our possessions. For those who you who have been to our house, you have probably noticed 2 big things in our driveway- a garage and a huge tree. Most of the time Jessica and I park in the garage; but every now and again we do not, either we are running lots of errands and just pull in the driveway or I am doing a project in the garage that takes up a bay or 2. Every now and then the weather man will call for a severe storm or a windy day that makes me a little nervous- so I will make sure all of our vehicles are in the garage. Why? Well as I told Jess one time- I would feel pretty dumb calling the insurance agent to come see my car with a tree on top of it sitting just outside a 3 car garage… just saying...

I feel this same way when I lose a battle to Satan, God has given me what I need for protection and deliverance, but missed it, ignored it, or avoided it.

Paul Billheimer once wrote that "Satan is the agent of destruction, not God. Who was it that destroyed Job's fortune, family, and health when God permitted it done? Satan. Satan brings about accidents, sickness, disease, and calamity, and then tempts men to think that God brings these things to pass.”

Friends, it should not surprise us when Satan threatens and meddles in our lives- the Bible tells us flat out it is going to happen. So, what does God say? Put on the armor. For you have an enemy- not of flesh and blood, but on the Spiritual battlefield.

But our God, our God of grace and glory does not send us out into battle empty handed- no he sends us out clothed for victory. He gives to us armor for the battle ahead:

The belt of truth

The Breastplate of righteousness

The shoes of peace

The shield of faith

The helmet of salvation

The sword of the Spirit.

God gives us these for our victory- to protect us in the battle and to keep us safe as we fight....

Can you imagine a soldier showing up for battle in nothing but his undergarments? No helmet, no army issued clothes, no weapon, no boots, NOTHING. Would he be successful in battle? Would anyone be surprised if he feel at the hand of the enemy?

In this coronavirus outbreak many people have gotten sick due to their lack of self care- they have not washed their hands, they have not put on their masks, they have not sanitized or worn gloves…

Should we be surprised that not being protected leads to challenges?

There is something nostalgic, almost magical about the story of David and Goliath. David, the poor shepherd boy strolls into battle against the giant and slays him with only a stone and a sling.... we read the story and we are filled with hope...

Friends, in some ways God sends you into battle like David. David walked into battle and his armor on the outside did not match the faith and hope that he had on the inside. In this way we are to be like David. We are to rest our hope and find our confidence in our King Jesus. Understanding that even though there is a Lion waiting for us, wanting to devour us, he who lives in us is greater.

But let’s remember how David made it to battle in such a way that day. King Saul gave David a suit of armor that was big and clunky, it did not do its job.... But God, God gives you the suit you need. God does not send you out like David, God sends you into battle with all that you need.

David could not trust the armor of his king, but our king outfits us in exactly what we need, friends.

In his second letter Peter wrote to us “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” If there is a battle before you God has already given you what you need to defeat it.

Part of me wonders, in 1 Samuel 17 when Saul sees David run off to fight Goliath- did Saul expect him to return? I have to be honest, I think Paul expected David to return dead. Young, small, inexperienced shepherd boy with no armor and no real weapon headed into battle to fight the most feared warrior in the land- what would you expect?

David’s King sends him into battle expecting defeat. Our King sends us into battle already having our victory.

Jesus said it himself in john 16:33- in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.

Friends, there are many times in our lives when we need to speak against the David complex. We need to remember that we are empowered by God and his Holy Spirit.

So, as the Governor and other political leaders have told us- we need to be safe as we go out. Put on a mask, put on gloves, pump that hand sanitize- keep yourself safe. Please hear me, I am not making light of these recommendations- I encourage you to use them and follow them. Instead, I am inviting you to elevate your consideration of how God tells us to prepare for our Spiritual battle.

At the end of the day, it is your choice to make- suit up or not. God has given it, it is yours to use.