Meditation XCIII.
Meditation XCIII.
ON THE ARMOR OF SOLDIERS.
Lying off Normandy, June 13, 1758.
When I behold the warlike race, and their glittering arms, how well they are outfitted for the field of battle, at no less than royal expense; it puts me in mind of him who is Prince of the kings of the earth, and has an army maintained at much immenser cost, equipped with much diviner armor, engaged in a more bloody war, against more desperate foes—but, supported by Almighty strength, are assured of conquest and a crown at last.
How are these men burdened with instruments of war wherever they go, for a soldier is but a poor man without his weapons! Even so the spiritual soldier must never be without his armor, for the better armed, he finds himself the stronger. Besides, this is the word of command by the Captain of the Lord's armies: "Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18 (HCSB)
But one thing I see—these men are not allowed to carry toys or trifles with them, only their arms, ammunition, and necessities; so "no man who wars" against hell, "entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier."
Again, these men are only safe, in setting their face always against their foes—there being no armor for the back; so there is not a promise in all the scripture for the saint that turns his back before the enemy; while, if they resist, even their grand enemy shall flee from them.
These poor privates, as well as their commanders, must be in the hottest battle, encounter all the dangers, and perhaps fall in the engagement; but the Captain of our salvation has for us both fought and foiled the foe, swept the field of battle, of principalities and powers—so that we are only called to return to the spoil.
Finally, how happy are Christ's soldiers, in comparison with these military men! The one is wounded often to death, the other is made always to triumph; the one has a scanty allowance every day; the other has access to all the fullness of God. The one is disbanded at last, and sent, when least able, to beg his bread, and die in poverty; the other shall at last receive a crown, and be taken to dwell with the king eternal, immortal, invisible, forever!
Let the potsherds of the earth strive with the potsherds of the earth for earthly things. May I fight on the side of Heaven, against sin and hell—for a heavenly crown, a crown of glory, a priceless inheritance for his children. It is reserved in heaven—pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay!
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