READING: Isaiah 15-19, Ephesians 5:22-6:24
It’s easy to read Ephesians 6 and focus on only evil principalities and powers. To be fair, the apostle Paul does “pile up” the terms to describe our battle: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Eph 6:12). While I doubt Paul was describing some hierarchical order of Satan’s kingdom, I have no doubt he wanted us to know the seriousness of the battle. The repeated descriptions of evil forces simply reinforce the truth that our enemies are numerous.
On the other hand, Ephesians 6 is not about the devil; it’s about God. The strength we have for the battle is a strength God gives us (Eph 6:10). It is in His vast might that we stand against the enemy. Moreover, the very armor we wear is armor God gave us; it is, in fact, the armor of God. All the armor is then directly connected to the “sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God” (Eph 6:17). If, then, we fight in God’s strength while wearing God’s armor, surely you and I should win these battles more often. In God alone, we find our peace, “love with faith” (Eph 6:23), and grace.
Whatever the spiritual battles we face may be, may we love the Lord with an “undying love” (Eph 6:24) and trust Him with an unquestioned trust. He is our Warrior who fights the battle for us. Ultimately, He is the focus of this chapter.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for the power You give us daily.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: When you face spiritual conflict today, keep your eyes on God.
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 20-24, Philippians 1