Put on the Whole Armour of God
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | November 8, 2023 | Nehemiah 3:28
KEY VERSE:
Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. Nehemiah 3:28 (NKJV)
MESSAGE
The Horse Gate stood north of the Water Gate, next to the temple area. Significantly, the priests repaired this gate and the Sheep Gate. Both were near the temple area. The horse in scripture is a symbol of warfare. Therefore, the Horse Gate reminds us that the Christian life is warfare and that we must always be ready to fight. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul shifts the concept of wrestling to describe Christians’ intense struggles against the power of darkness. Unlike typical wrestling, where you see your opponent, Paul states that our adversaries aren’t human (“flesh and blood”). Essentially, our struggle is not against people but against invisible spiritual entities. They will not appear as horned creatures to fight with us. Instead, they will come through everyday events and things. For instance, think of how Satan attacked Jesus by luring Judas to be greedy for money and accept to betray Jesus.
Many Christians imagine power clashes with demonic forces involving witchcraft and occultism, or power encounters in the air or water. While demons and forces of darkness exist, they are not what Paul highlights in this verse. These battles are not merely in the air or water but are in our homes, churches, minds, relationships, finances, etc. As the idea of wrestling suggests, these spiritual entities operate closely with us. They tempt us to sin, discourage prayer and Bible reading, cause divisions in Churches and homes, stir opposition against ministers and the preaching of the Gospel, promote false doctrines, and many others. They work through people and systems around us, and they do so at close range, like in a wrestling match. To be able to stand and win in this battle, the Christian is encouraged to put on the whole armour of God which includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is God's word. Prayer is a vital aspect of spiritual warfare. It is a means through which Christians communicate with God, seek His guidance, and request His intervention in their battles against spiritual forces.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE
Don’t be ignorant of this warfare and the enemy’s tactics. Be aware of the spiritual battle in your Christian life, ministry, and family, and equip yourself with God’s full armour as described in the Bible. Meditate on the word of God daily, and through prayer ask God to guide and strengthen you to be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I understand that the Christian life is warfare, and I also thank you that I am more than a conqueror because you won the victory for me through the cross. Please help me to put on the armour you provide and abide in you and your word. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: OWN HOUSE
The term Own House in Hebrew is translated as "בֵּיתוֹ" (Beito - His House) - "Beito" signifies "his house" or "his dwelling place."
In the context of our key verse for today’s devotional the term refers to
Priestly Residences: In this context, the term suggests that the priests took responsibility for repairing the section of the wall that was adjacent to their individual residences
Community Engagement: Repairing the wall in front of one's own house emphasizes a sense of personal responsibility for the well-being of the community. The priests were involved in both spiritual duties and the physical protection of their living spaces.
The usage of the term in our key verse also reveals some insights about the priest:
Spiritual Leaders as Builders: The priests, being spiritual leaders, actively participated in the physical restoration of the city. This dual role emphasizes the holistic nature of their responsibilities.
Individual Contribution: Repairing the wall in front of each priest's house underscores the idea of personal responsibility and contribution. It reflects a sense of ownership and commitment to the safety and integrity of the community.
Leading by Example: The priests, by repairing the wall near their residences, set an example of servant leadership. Their actions teach us the importance of actively participating in the well-being of our communities.
Reflections
How can we emulate the priests in Nehemiah's time by combining our spiritual leadership with active, personal involvement in the physical well-being and protection of our communities?
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