This chapter speaks of evil and oppression, but then judgement and salvation. There is great darkness, though and even greater Light is coming.
“He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.” (v16-17, 20)
There was / is great sin in this world. God fully realized that no human was able to save us from our own sin, so He promised to send a Redeemer to His people. This Redeemer is equipped with the righteousness, salvation, vengeance, and passion of God Himself (for Jesus our Redeemer is God).
We are called to use the armor and weapons of God (see Eph 6, 1 Ths 5:8, 2 Cor 6:7, Heb 4:2, Isa 11:5, 2 Cor 10:3-5). Also, we are called to put on Jesus Himself (Rm 13:12-14) as “Armor of Light” which protects us from lusts of the flesh (sinful temptation).
We humans are so fallible and prone to sin that God provided Jesus as a Savior, and ongoing Protector. He saved us from past sin, and guards us against present / future sin as well. By embracing ‘the armor of God’, which is from God, and is God / Jesus Himself, we are protected from sin and darkness.
This armor includes weapons which fight against evil and corruption, helping build and protect Jesus’ kingdom. I encourage us to equip ourselves with Jesus, each and every day – not just for our own personal protection, but so our Armor and Weapons of Light can also protect others from darkness, opening their eyes to Jesus the Light.
Father God, our Generous and Compassionate Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Redeemer and Protector. May we learn to embrace Jesus’ presence, every single moment, clothing ourselves in the Light. May the Light shine before all people, protecting and saving them from sin and evil. May we be active participants in building Jesus’ Kingdom of Light, and paving the way for His triumphant return. We honor, praise, and glorify Your holy name, both now and forever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training