Today's Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17
Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 7:1-29; Matthew 23:1-12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
So, you think you have enemies? You’re right. But they’re not who you think they are. As a saint, marked as one redeemed by Christ in Holy Baptism, you also have a target on your back. From the time you are baptized and brought to faith in Christ, the devil is prowling after you like a roaring lion seeking to devour that which has been taken from his ravenous jaws. You have been baptized into Christ’s death, and thus you have been joined to Him in the heavenly battle against the principalities and powers of darkness that won’t give you up without a hellish fight.
You think that former best friend who stole your boyfriend or girlfriend is your enemy? You think that teacher who always finds some reason to dock 10% off of your grade is out to get you? You think that cop who hangs out with his radar gun a block away from school every morning has it in for you? You think your parents make your life miserable?
Think again.
Sure it’s pretty low to betray a friend. And teachers, cops, yes even parents are sinners, too. At times they may abuse their power. But, they are still gifts of God to be honored and obeyed as authorities to do you good. And even that former friend who betrayed you needs forgiveness—just like you.
No, none of these is your real enemy despite how you may feel about how they treat you. Your real enemy is that wicked one who would use these daily trials and your feelings of anger toward the people in your life to tear you away from God and forget His forgiveness and your Baptism.
But remember, the very thing that makes you a special target to the evil one—Holy Baptism—is also the gift and seal of God that saves you—in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us, We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not overpow’r us. This world’s prince may still Scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none. He’s judged the deed is done; One little word can fell him. (LSB 656: 3)