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Imagining through
Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-20
(2 speakers, one saying the words in italics,
the other reading the scripture in regular print)
When we wake up in our own homes, we prepare for the day to
come. Along the way from our bed to the door that takes us out
into the world, we get dressed. A new year of school begins
tomorrow for our children. New clothes and school supplies are
ready to be put on and packed up, ready to go.
We are in God’s house, sisters and brothers. Wake up! Prepare
for a new day. It’s time to get dressed for our journey. It’s
time to put on what God provides. In his letter to the believers
in Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote about getting ready for the
tasks we all face. Let’s actively listen to what he had to say,
using our imagination. It’s okay to pretend doing what he
suggests, realizing that acting out his words with our bodies
moves us in the direction of living out our faith. Everyone,
please stand, if you are able, and fully listen.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the
strength of his power.
(flex your
muscles)
Put on the whole armor of God, so
that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
(put up your
dukes)
For our struggle is not against enemies of
blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be
able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything,
to stand firm.
(stand at attention)
Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of
truth around your waist,
(pretend to put
on your tool belt. Like a backpack, it holds what you need for
the day, so that you will know what is most important)
and put on the breastplate of
righteousness.
(pretend to put
on your bullet-proof vest. Your relationship with God, who loves
you and has taken the initiative in Jesus to save you, will
protect you, even when you feel most vulnerable and all seems
lost.)
As shoes for your feet put on
whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
(pretend to put
on your running shoes and, if you feel so moved, run in place as
if ready for a race. Amid all this talk of armor and enemies,
remember that you follow the Prince of Peace, who came to
reconcile everyone to God, not by force but by faith.
Therefore...)
With all of these, take the shield of
faith,
(pretend to
hold up a shield. It is by faith that we are saved. Trust in the
Lord with all your heart!)
take the shield of faith, with which
you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil
one.
(hold up your
shield and pretend to feel it stop: bullies, hateful words from
others, or even your own bitter or negative thoughts. “Flaming
arrows” come in many forms, and you are not without protection!)
Take the helmet of salvation,
(pretend to put
on your helmet. Your mind is a terrible thing to waste. God gave
us a brain to think things through, to discern what is right and
just, to have compassion for others instead of thinking only of
ourselves, and to make good decisions. Don’t allow your mind to
be stolen by those who want you to think you can buy your way
out of your problems, or those who want you to be afraid of
anyone who is different from you, or everyone who wants to
control you for whatever reason. Remember, you were not given a
spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. Protect
it!)
and the sword of the Spirit, which
is the word of God.
(pretend to
unsheathe your sword from your belt and hold it high. You are
not alone in all this. There is a presence with you at all
times. Breathe in the Spirit. Open your Bible daily. Listen for
the Lord to speak. Of course, this sword has two edges. One is
aimed back at you, so wield it carefully. May it become more
like a surgeon’s scalpel, used for healing a broken world,
following the great physician.)
Pray in the Spirit at all times in
every prayer and supplication.
(pull your
palms together in an attitude of prayer. This is your greatest
resource. Use it often. With it hold others up.)
To that end keep alert and always
persevere in supplication for all the saints.
(stand at
attention)
Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a
message may be given to me to make known with boldness the
mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.
Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
(And all God’s
people said… “Amen!”)
Please be seated.
scripture text
from
the New
Revised Standard Version
copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States
of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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