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I concluded my reading in Ephesians, the "Eat" part of Go, Eat Peaches and Cream; and here are my reflections.
Along with the problems of husbands and wives in marriages, the church in Ephesus had problems shared with Paul about parents and children. Paul knew the ideal is to have good parents in the life of every child. And the ideal is for those who have children to be good parents. The reality is that not every father or mother is good all the time, and some parents shouldn't be parents. But Paul reminds us of the Commandment that says we are to honor our father and mother; and this being the first commandment with a promise: "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Paul goes further in saying parents should not exasperate their children, but instead should strive to instruct them in the ways of the Lord.
The next part of the passage is set in the sad context of slavery, with instructions for good behavior between slaves and masters and vice-versa. The takeaway verse would be the one that applies to all people today, for us to work wholeheartedly in all we do, as if we were doing it for the Lord.
The powerful comparison to real armor comes in this chapter; much quoted and preached, The Armor of God speaks true even today. Believed to be inspired by the Roman soldier keeping watch over Paul as he wrote this letter, the words have guided many people for many centuries with its instruction.
We are called to be strong in the Lord. The Lord's power and protection is available to those who call for it, especially as we confront the battles of life, some involving the battles we do against the devil, for Paul saw the devil as a real foe, and a wicked one at that; to win such battles we need the armor of God.
Here are those key verses and areas we should protect: Truth should be the belt that guards our waist and loins, meaning those areas most susceptible to the desires of the flesh. It is God's truth that should guide our thinking as to consequences and outcomes if we do give in. Righteousness should protect our hearts; our love should be pure and righteous for all people as should be our desires of the heart. The gospel of peace covering our feet meaning it should guide us to places where we can share good news. Faith should be the shield that protects us from all attacks of doubt and despair thrown at us by the devil. And the ever present thought and reality of our salvation should protect our minds and guide our thoughts. Our offense against such attacks comes from staying and studying the word of God on which we should rely daily and often. And our prayer life should be as much a part of our lives as our breathing. We should have a prayer life that never ceases and should include, as Paul says, "all prayers and requests, praying for all believers here and everywhere."
EAT TO YOUR FILL PRAYER: Cover me, Lord. Bless me to be a blessing. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
