Simple words Surprised me again (day 3)

Sometimes I am amazed that I can read a passage of God’s Word over and over and then on the umpteenth time I see something that is extremely simple and plane that I have never seen before. God’s Word truly is living and active to cut between soul and spirit, joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of my heart.

As I was reading this evening in Ephesians 6:10-18, I was stopped dead at verse 13 & 14a.

Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,

Now a long time ago when I went to school these were called imperative sentences. These are instructions to be obeyed. Now if you go back and look at this entire passage, it is full of imperative sentences; “Be strong in the Lord…” (vs 10), “Put on the whole armor of God…” (vs 11), “Praying always, with all prayer and supplication…” (vs 18)

If I am a follower of Jesus, if I am a disciple of Jesus, these are not suggestions. I need to take them very seriously. These very serious words speak of doing. They speak of discipline to learn to think and see in the same way that Jesus and our Father sees.

I need grace for this. So I must constantly follow the advice of Hebrews 4:16.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.

Blessed Father in Heaven, you see the whole day that is before me today. Indeed, you see all my days. Give me grace to prepare prayerfully to be salt and light in whatever lies ahead for my day. So that I might glorify you and my precious savior, Jesus. Amen