This Armor Doesn't Fit

Remember King Saul?  Do you recall that when the people called out to Samuel for a king to reign over them, they wanted Saul?  Scripture describes Saul as being " taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward" (1 Samuel 10:23).  This meant that he was considerably taller than anyone from among the people.

Now fast forward to the battle scene in 1 Samuel 17 with David and Goliath.  Remember that David is "but a youth" and he is serving Saul as his armor bearer.  There is a point when David puts on King Saul's armor (v38).  I cannot help but laugh as I try to picture this.  The massive armor of King Saul placed on this little youth must have swallowed him up whole.  I picture the bronze helmet wobbling back and forth as it dangles on his head, the coat of mail weighing him down like a wet overcoat and Saul's massive sword strapped awkwardly around his waist.  The massiveness of the armor compared to David must have been a hilarious sight to see.

There is a pivotal point in this passage that comes in the latter part of verse 39.  David realizes the awkwardness of wearing King Saul's armor and decides to go with the tools (weapons) he is accustomed to using.  Though verse 39 is a pivotal point, the reason for David's courage is found back in verse 37 where he says, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."  David's faith and willingness to defend God's glory outweighed his fear of this giant enemy of God's people.

The armor God has given us is found in Ephesians 6:10-20.  Our armor is found in truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer.  These are the weapons we are given to war against our enemies and to defend God's glory.  It is some of the same armor spoken of in the OT that Jesus uses when He battles against the enemies of His people (Isa 11:1-5 and Isa 59:16-17).

Have you ever felt like David?  I know I have.  There have been times where I have "put on" a logical defense (physical or practical armor) and started out to do battle, only to find awkwardness and possible defeat.  Whether it is in defense of myself or God's glory, I need to take off the logical armor and put on the armor God has given me to use.  I think I will begin, like David, with faith that God will deliver me out of the hands of my enemies.

My friends, there is a war raging for the hearts and souls of men.  There is a war raging against the Glory of God and His redemptive plan.  It is a spiritual warfare that will never cease until Christ sets up His kingdom.  Therefore we must put on this armor, stand firm and boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel which is revealed to us in Christ crucified.  No other armor or weapons will stand (Psalms 44:5).