Paper Armor
The Apostle Paul tells us in the book of Ephesians to put on the "full armor of God" so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground. (Ephesians 6:13). He then details the spiritual relevance of each piece of that armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
I searched the term "Roman Armor" and discovered some thought-provoking information. When a soldier was equipped with the “full” armor (not partial) he had everything he needed to defend, protect, and conquer.
I searched the term "Roman Armor" and discovered some thought-provoking information. When a soldier was equipped with the “full” armor (not partial) he had everything he needed to defend, protect, and conquer.
The armor was not only used for offensive and defensive protection, but it was also meant to intimidate. For instance, helmets were made with a ring of three black or purple feathers about 45cm high to make each man appear twice his height.
I also found it interesting that the soldiers would lock their shields and move forward as a unit. Brethren, we must remember that as an army we are only effective as we join our shields of faith as we advance together. (Hebrews. 10:24-25). Like the Roman soldiers' armor designed to protect against projectiles such as spears or javelins, arrows, swords, or daggers - the Apostle Paul admonishes us to “take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16).
According to the above mentioned web site, there were times when the armor was too heavy. A story is told of the battle of Lake Trasimene, where soldiers that tried to swim away were drowned by their armor. I was reminded of David as a young boy when King Saul placed his oversized armor on him before his fight against Goliath and it was so heavy that he humbly refused to wear it. But the armor prescribed here in God’s Word is not burdensome or too heavy to bear. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Sometimes I put on my armor in such a casual, nonchalant manner that it's just a façade. Fooling only myself, I walk onto the battle field covered with paper and a false sense of security, as if the enemy doesn't know the difference between parchment and bronze!
Also interesting is the fact that often soldiers were required to leave their families for long periods of time. Jesus said, “unless you are willing to leave father, mother, brother sister you are not worthy of me.” Following Him requires sacrifice, commitment, and a willingness to fight the “good fight” every day.
I also found it interesting that the soldiers would lock their shields and move forward as a unit. Brethren, we must remember that as an army we are only effective as we join our shields of faith as we advance together. (Hebrews. 10:24-25). Like the Roman soldiers' armor designed to protect against projectiles such as spears or javelins, arrows, swords, or daggers - the Apostle Paul admonishes us to “take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16).
According to the above mentioned web site, there were times when the armor was too heavy. A story is told of the battle of Lake Trasimene, where soldiers that tried to swim away were drowned by their armor. I was reminded of David as a young boy when King Saul placed his oversized armor on him before his fight against Goliath and it was so heavy that he humbly refused to wear it. But the armor prescribed here in God’s Word is not burdensome or too heavy to bear. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Sometimes I put on my armor in such a casual, nonchalant manner that it's just a façade. Fooling only myself, I walk onto the battle field covered with paper and a false sense of security, as if the enemy doesn't know the difference between parchment and bronze!
Also interesting is the fact that often soldiers were required to leave their families for long periods of time. Jesus said, “unless you are willing to leave father, mother, brother sister you are not worthy of me.” Following Him requires sacrifice, commitment, and a willingness to fight the “good fight” every day.
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