Don't forget to get dressed!

September 29th

Isaiah 57:14-59:21

Philippians 1:1-26

Psalm 71:1-24

Proverbs 24:9-10

Today's reading brought me to Isaiah 59:17 "He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak". Does this remind you of anything? 

I love to see connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Today's reading drew me to look at the connection between Ephesians and Isaiah as I have so often read of the need to put on the armour of God, but I had no idea that Paul was referencing armor that God had literally put on himself.

God "got dressed" when he was going out to defend those who couldn't defend themselves. We often think of putting on the armor of God to protect ourselves, but in Isaiah, God is putting on this armor to protect others who are defenseless. 

To put on righteousness means to be right with God. As a breastplate does, righteousness protects our hearts from the dangers of sin. Abraham was an example of how his faith and obedience to God was credited to him as righteousness. Lot was another man who had many issues, but he was seen as righteous because he did not adopt the sinful ways of those living around him. These men demonstrated unwavering faith. To wear this righteousness, we must be in God's word and in prayer. Then we can handle life one step at a time, pursuing righteousness each choice we get.

God has given us the gift of salvation through Christ, and wearing the helmet of salvation protects our heads from the lies that we can be told and keeps our knowledge and wisdom intact. Salvation is God's promise to us. As a helmet in those days would give soldiers vision, salvation gives us the opportunity to focus on what's important. Paul shows that his focus is on salvation in today's reading from Philippians (1:21-26). We have this hope that should inspire us to get through each day knowing that we are children of God who have eternal life with Him. Are you putting on your head the helmet of salvation each day?

I encourage you to explore Ephesians 6 and read about the other armor that Paul writes is necessary in all spiritual battles. We face these battles daily, and sometimes we aren't even aware. It is important that we "get dressed" so that we can be prepared for what battles the day may bring!