Today in God's Word—March 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
March 30, Ephesians 6
Isn’t “One Size Fits All” an absurd idea for clothing? Something in your closet probably has that optimistic promise on the tag instead of a specific size. It’s loose-fitting, has some elastic, or can be adjusted. But it’s more like “One Size Fits Some Profoundly Average Person Somewhere.” A casual look around at the mall will tell you that, like Goldilocks, most people are going to find the item in question too big or too small, and only a few will think it’s just right.
Could the gospel be “One Size Fits All”? With all the personalities and situations of life, could a single message fit every person, meet their needs and apply to their lives?
Today’s portion says the answer is “Yes.” Child or parent, slave or master, God’s will for you will bless you and others around you. Whether your position is under authority or in authority, everyone answers to the highest authority. God is glorified, regardless of your situation, when you obey his will.
Remember when David was about to fight Goliath, the Philistine giant? King Saul offered his armor and weapons to the brave young shepherd, but David chose not to wear the king’s armor or use the king’s sword because he was unfamiliar with them. They were not his size. David’s trusty slingshot, powered by faith in God, brought down the trash-talking enemy.
Goliath was big, but he was human. Our opponent is not human. Remember Martin Luther’s line from the old hymn: “On earth is not his equal.” Every child of God needs the armor of God to stand against a formidable enemy. We cannot win this fight on our own.
So Paul prescribed the whole armor of God for every Christian soldier. This belt, this breastplate, these boots will fit. With the armor, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, you will be equipped to fight and win. The word of God has been tested and found effective against this enemy. As you pray about everything all the time and rely on God’s strength instead of your own, the victory is yours through him.
Despite our diversity, we have a common need for salvation by grace through the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. It’s “One Size Fits All” because all have sinned and he died for all. It’s “One Size Fits All” because we will all answer to God in judgment, regardless of status or position in life. It’s “One Size Fits All” because the same malevolent opponent is trying to destroy us all, and God’s power is the only way to win.
Perhaps you’re accustomed to the luxury of custom tailoring. But most of us buy our clothes “off the rack.” We’re blessed to live in a time when modern technology has made well-fitting clothing and shoes affordable. Whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, I am confident the gospel of Christ will fit you perfectly. It really is “One Size Fits All.”
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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