What’s the Matter, Slugger?
I know it may not seem seasonal, but it’s time for Caleb and Isaac’s bat to be retired. The foam covered wiffle-ball bat served its purpose well, but now the little bambino is broken. Don’t worry, boys...by the end of the week our team leader, Terry Williams, will have you guys swingin’ away in Shinyanga!
I wish we could have brought a Louisville Slugger made from the finest North American Ash, but no, our weight limit only allowed us to bring a bat made out of plastic and covered with foam. That reminds me of a spiritual truth! (Who cares if it’s not baseball season...gotta be ready in season and out of season, you know!) When Paul urges us to “Put on the full armor of God...” he doesn’t merely suggest that we use pieces of armor which have been given to us by God. When you think of armor of steel, you don’t think, “steel’s armor;” you think “armor that is made out of steel.” Likewise, “armor of God” does not necessarily mean “the armor belonging to God.” Rather, “armor of God” should be understood as the “armor which is made up of God.” When I put on the helmet of salvation, I am putting on an aspect of God. When I put on the breastplate of righteousness, I am putting on God. He doesn’t just give us what we need...HE is all we need! He doesn’t just give us tools for fighting the battles we face...HE fights our battles for us! What a God!
This lesson is about learning to wait upon God...to trust Him completely. Why not? After all, He is our armor.
Ooh! God is like a DH--designated hitter, too. What a relief to know that there’s someone ready and capable of stepping up to the plate and scoring a home run! “Holy God...what a hit!”
Monday, January 29, 2007