ODE TO THE

ARMOR

OF GOD

Take up the full armor of God… with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit… with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:13-18)

The Archangel bowed low before the eternal Creator

Seated upon heaven's throne in imperishable splendor.

The charisma of the Lord God outshone the radiant light

Of innumerable shimmering suns of the blackest night.

The Spirit of love, truth and justice burned with the fiery glow

Encircling the Divine Presence like a sevenfold rainbow.

From His presence there came omnipotence in blinding flashes

And omniscience reverberated like thunder crashes;

He is the origin, and the desired aspiration

Of all the lively souls reverently in congregation.

Along with the myriads of their ministering angels,

Were assembled there many multitudes of redeemed peoples;

These thought-dead saints were instead like living galactic jewels,

Residing around the throne in a dignity most royal.

Also before Him were found the world of animal creatures,

They adore God in paradise, now with angelic features.

Beyond these, all material and varied effects throughout

The vast universe was acquiescently arrayed about:

The cosmos spread before Him like a crystal sea translucent;

With no detail hidden from the gaze of His awesome judgment.

Approaching the white throne in wide-eyed-wonder, the archangel

Stood before the presence of a Person supremely noble,

Possessing authority and grandeur like a great lion,

But purity and humility as a lamb's life given.

Everything and everyone submitted justifiably

With echoing melodies to the Lord's righteous sovereignty,

And threefold praise for God's incomprehensible holiness;

Before such Majesty all waited in worshipful redress.

Then the Lord's message came as precious harmonies adulate

Within the spirits of living souls patiently resonate,

Words flowed from incorruptible and unconditional love:

"Archangel Michael, illustrious servant to those above

"And those below in the earthly realm, Announce to all goodwill.

"Here is the eternal purpose for My people to fulfill."

Gesturing by a wound scared hand, the Lord pointed with ardor

To a divinely wrought set of exquisite, shinning armor.

The Lord resumed, "I have prepared each piece of armament,

"To have an everlasting, efficient and intended fit;

"A sound and sure defense against the boisterous Devil's toll,

"And the constant fleshly failings within My beloved ones' souls."

Amazed admiration filled the archangel contemplating

In that timeless realm; there came tremendous waves satiating

His being by an infallible revelation divine,

Spiritual understanding unspoken fed the angel's mind:

These unique tools were expertly forged for defense and offense

And shaped through the Lord's own unpretentious condescension since:

Suffering unto death below, followed by resurrection;

A glorious return to forever cleanse sin from heaven

Through the sufficiency of His precious blood shed without fright.

Allowed God to empower the angelic army with full might,

Casting the chief of devils, Satan, and his demonic host,

Fallen minions consigned to eternal darkness outermost.

The archangel knew quite well for he was the chosen agent

Given the Lord's authoritative command to implement

That most wonderful and momentous of all human freedoms:

Liberty from blighting sin, temptations, and accusations.

In rapt astonishment still, Michael gazed upon a certain

Unique substance of sanctified and irresistible ken,

To God's own energy, now fashioned into armor gleaming

Fitted solely for fragile humanity's sake, redeeming.

Constructed of material similar to precious gold,

Though much more, superheated in the blazing furnace to mold

By the Lord's holy anger wrought in response to human rebellion.

Strong rivets fixed, hammered with treacherous blows that sinners spawn,

Those demon indwelt and controlled, and without any merit;

But fatal blows directed with firm purpose by His Spirit,

At that Man able to endure violence without despair.

Each piece evidently forged through human tears and godly prayer,

All mingled with His own cherished innocence, and precious blood;

This fine armor will surely repel the whole force of hell's flood,

In wrath they're destined for that eternal forsaken abyss

Of flaming regret and restless torment: regret for the remiss

Wrongly made; endless torment for willfully choosing evil.

They deserve every drop of this dread prepared for the Devil

And his wicked underlings, but never made for the elect.

Though many souls are laid low by Satan's relentless attack:

The Lord provides this defense for His saints through consecration

To transform their earthly lives, proving God's gift of salvation,

And winning others still enslaved to the Devil's foul error.

But, let infinite thanks be given to the gracious Father,

Since His sacrificial love has already paid the just price.

A love unlimited toward those yet sinfully enticed;

Though His marvelous justice shall not transgress human freewill.

Oh Lord, through Your irresistible grace, mold those stubborn still

To accept Your only provision of abundant mercy,

A complete salvation for man's spirit, and soul, and body.

The Archangel panned his sharp gaze over the skillfully wrought

Workmanship that is his pleasure as transporting juggernaut

To those humble enough to wear and weld these excellent helps.

The Archangel thought, "This armor shall bring a joy, that's heartfelt."

The shield was great, tall, and strong, of shimmering material

Purified in intense affliction, both human and spiritual;

Golden-like and patiently adorned with a wondrous consent,

Expressions of constant faith: past, future, and ever present.

From that indispensable Refiner, using faultless art,

The Lord portrayed the far and wide face of the heavenly part,

A blackened void studded with the orbed signs of the sun blazing,

Comets speeding by the starry host, and reflecting moon phasing,

With far-flung galaxies and twinkling nebulae, and their kin.

There cycles the zodiac, beginning with the pure Virgin,

Then royal Lion, masterful Orion, and yielding Ram,

All the vast constellations, form nature's streaming hologram;

By these the mysterious gospel of the Lord's to share.

Rotating in precise clockwork motion around His favor.

A beautiful sphere delineated in colorful hues:

Earthy browns and living greens and creamy whites and haunting blues.

Here in high relief hung the marvelous earth decorated:

With cloud billowed skies, lofty mountains on lands variegated,

Broad scenic valleys cut by rushing rivers that meander,

Encircled by seven crystalline seas, a world of wonder.

Everywhere the ground sprouted in verdant grasses, plants and trees;

A terrestrial paradise with endless varieties.

Birds and other winged life streak across the airy canopy;

While diverse sea creatures and fishes ply the waters freely;

Giant lumbering beast amble along the thick forest lanes;

Great herds of four footed animals race around the broad plains;

Tiny insects scurry across the Lord's earthly creation.

Each animal an occasion for endless fascination.

Adoration, honor, and praise for God's consummate plan;

The Lord's crowning glory is a man and his lovely woman;

Created as His image bearers and given God's own breath;

His ultimate purpose and object of His tender caress:

Experiencing friendship, fellowship, and intimate love.

They danced together as their Lord's purpose unfolded thereof.

But not all danced: that sublime beginning was lost all too soon;

In the midst of that paradise of delight appeared their doom,

When a wily serpent came through a twisted tree slithering,

Experimentally good and evil, by willfully choosing,

Which soon became an addictive fruit with pernicious poison.

That first couple's tragic eating rendered truthfulness undone;

Their descendants went on to hate, harm, and kill one another;

World of violence, wickedness, and brother against brother.

The all-knowing God was not surprised by humankind's deplored

Spiral in unholy rebellion and spiritual discord;

Nevertheless, by what transpired, the Lord was deeply grieved,

Everything embossed on the shield given for all to perceive:

God's patient intent was to redeem the world's wayward peoples

And take back Paradise lost, leaving Satan's grasp enfeebled.

Ominous to follow was engraved a cataclysmic flood,

Washing away that wicked and violent race shedding blood;

Only eight people, plus animals, survived in a huge barge.

Because one man of that line worshipped the Lord as his prime charge,

In deep gratitude to God, another offered a sacred ram,

In place of his only son, by sacrificing a male lamb;

Through him descended an enduring nation of kings;

Yet, this people knew slavery before their delivering

From slavery by the Passover lamb; the pattern was refined.

Their king's fabulous temple complex became a constant sign

Where multitudes of sheep were substituted annually:

The magnitude of God's grace, though His people sinned endlessly.

Then He came with astonishing clarity, condescending

In perfect humanity, God's only Son so revealing;

The Word of God came first a babe born in a lowly stable,

Then as Son of Man serving bread and wine at the Lord's table.

Finally to become the real sacrifice long awaited,

And those symbolic animal substitutes abrogated:

Not possible for the human spirit by those to redeem;

Nevertheless, death could not hold that last Sacrifice supreme

Proving God's forgiveness for all sins past, 'twas every soul's dread,

He provided the gift of divine life just as His Word said.

To all that would trust in His birth, life, death, and resurrection.

These new believers are born again, another great nation,

From all the ethnic, language, and cultural groups of the earth,

Encouraging, singing, dancing with tremendous joy and mirth:

Expressing a sincere devotion unto their Lord and Savior;

The true temple and city where people dwell with their Maker,

Bridegroom and beloved Bride now wedded, more intimate than friends.

No evil or pain or sorrows or death will touch them again:

Such is the ultimate promise to all people who yield.

Containing in and about the outermost rim of this shield,

Faithfully set in high relief the mighty angelic host,

Waiting on God's command to gather the Elect, His utmost,

Both the dead and the living, though all are alive to the Lord,

Now clothed with all their immortal heavenly bodies afford.

These and many more wonders were embossed in magnificence

On the shield of faith, wrought by God through His zealous arm's intent;

And fashioned solely for the sake of His called and chosen friends.

Designed to be a strong encouragement for angels and men,

But a constant terror to Satan and his demonic hoard,

This mighty emblem of faith guarantees powerful accord

To overcome all foes, yet fully preserve those who believe:

The Lord's pronouncements, their spirits, souls, and bodies have received.

Without this form of faith our God is impossible to please,

Nor be successful in warfare against what Satan might seize

By accusation, fearfulness, compromise and tragedy;

Yet, with faith, everything once written shall become surety

Beginning in this life, with every sacrifice counted here,

Each person's patient trust will become treasures untold when there.

With ecstatic wonder, the Archangel could scarcely take in

All the other excellent arms suited for mortal humans.

Michael nodded, witness to events in both heaven and earth,

With delightful affirmation at the sight for all its worth,

'Twas an incomparable, strong belt of self-evident truth;

Those honestly seeking it, will certainly find valid proof.

A truthfulness shining forth with pure, incorruptible light,

Throwing into deep contrast everyone on the side of right.

With this deluxe belt buckled on, wearers gain a capable

Sense of real safety besides deep inner joy unquenchable;

Also innately knowing the heavenly realities.

Without the bold security of these endless verities,

Only remains pretense, confusion, terror, doubt, and error,

Which hateful envy of careless souls constantly devour.

Rebels from reality fight against the Author of truth;

Those not set firm in God's ways, their Foe will not remain aloof.

Beside shield and belt, was the splendid breastplate of righteousness,

Smelted in the brightly glowing furnace of supreme goodness.

It will deflect any blow toward the heart of His elect.

And a spirit of love for God this defense does direct;

Such love is capable of covering countless human sins,

Both deceitfully held within souls of volitional men,

And those expressed to become foul deeds of the physical self.

Yet, this breastplate is sufficient to cause overwhelming help,

With a deep personal gratitude for the Lord's righteous gift;

All the conniving of the sinful flesh it can surely lift;

Convinced of a blessed life on the earth and never alone,

Will make the yearning souls spotless before the heavenly throne.

Not neglected of Him were a pair of fleet-footed shoes fair

Fit to carry the Lord's warriors to anyone, anywhere

Requiring the saving gospel of God's marvelous graces.

A glorious testimony heralded to farthest places;

A witness to all: simple enough for children to accept,

Yet wisdom far beyond any intellectual's adept.

Hearing this Good News will convert the wayward to ready saints,

Dressed in the Lord's armor and set to battle without restraint

For family and friends, and enemies too, those still enslaved

To a narcissistic fear of Satan's gross lies so depraved

And coupled with conceited pride, make for constant danger, both

Inroads of the devil into hearts of the willfully sloth.

But, for His sons there's a gleaming helmet, perfectly fitted,

Finely molded, but strong, sure, and practically protected,

Yet ornamented with a resplendent, dazzling plume of hope.

The saints are safe from accusations, though their enemies grope

Through pretending doubts, caused to crop up within their minds.

But how clearly heaven's warriors see the Lord's plan well defined,

And pity the sore condition of the world they sojourn in.

Undying hope, inspired by the Holy Spirit within,

Grows in thoughtful minds and caring hearts of His valiant soldiers;

None can crush their quest for that Promised Land, as His Word declares,

Their eternal inheritance and everlasting abode:

Final hope of transfiguration that their new bodies bode,

Which often seems imminent, yet there's been such a long delay;

For the Lord is patient, not wanting anyone castaway,

But everyone have opportunity to know without strife:

God's extravagant gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

All saints fully clothed in the Lord's holy armor transcendent

Shall not lack power in opposition to Evil's gross vent,

Who marshals manifold foul rage against these heavenly knights?

Safe are they in a dark world manifestly cursed with despite,

Influence of wickedness, and those controlled by the demons.

However, nothing and no one can ultimately cause harm done

To mind, soul, spirit, nor dim what's eternally rewarded.

Yet, Satan's cruel purpose would not by those few saints be thwarted;

They are protected under a loving God's almighty hand,

And promised rest secured beyond death in His beautiful land;

By grace some may escape the Foe though relentlessly harassed;

Satan desires to hold sway over those fearfully amassed,

Those caught in his web of lies, confusion, coercion, and strife.

Living in fear of earthly death, and pride of temporal life.

Neither is our merciful Lord satisfied with leaving any

Enslaved to Satan without chance of escape, for so many

God has made the most fantastic offensive weapon of all:

The sword of the Spirit, the Holy Bible, Book overall,

No demon, nor devil, even Satan himself, can withstand

The authority and power of such revelation grand

About the true past, present, and future in heaven and earth.

These are divine histories complete and of infinite worth,

Victories over the many diverse forces of evil,

Which also give predictions and promises in full detail

To restore paradise beyond any earthly perfection.

God defeated all tricks and puppets at Satan's direction,

He destroyed all the false gods, every demonic dictator,

Vanquished every cunning deception and horrible terror.

Infallible sword: wielded through meditation, and speaking;

This Word of God sends the forces of wickedness soon fleeing,

Bring their foul deeds to a halt, or slow their devious intent;

For the sake of His warriors Providence shall never relent;

Their commands will conform untoward spirits to the Lord's way;

Here gracious promises abound, plus tender mercies each day,

And wise precepts to transform those open to His Spirit, are

What this spiritual sword fulfills in believers near and far,

Outweighing any failure in thwarting Satan bellicose.

The Lord of lords and King of kings is drawing ever so close,

With sword in hand, He will soon vanquish Evil's erring hoard.

This sure Word is firm above all earthly powers: from the Lord

A holy expectation reserved for the children of light,

Which can't be overturned, but always prevails in every fight.

God's people are safe in His armor, and part of His mission,

Though the Lord may temporarily allow opposition,

For the purpose to train His holy ones in maturity

As they grow into ever-higher faith, hope, and charity.

That greatest virtue worth attaining is self-denying love,

Even this excellent generosity comes from above,

By genuine faith founded upon an unquenchable hope;

It frees the heart to walk in love on Mount Zion's gentle slope.

A magnificent trinity of virtues: love, hope, and faith;

Finding ultimate expression through prayer, the Lord to embrace,

Which is to simply, talk with God, friend to friend, about joys and hurts,

Misunderstandings and insights, praises, also disconcerts:

This is the marvelous grace of the Lord for His precious saints

Still walking through and working out their faith in earthly constraints.

Therefore, the Lord God bade the Archangel swift, bold wings unfurled;

Carry this armor to His church encamped in a hostile world;

Wherefore Michael bowed again to God on His majestic throne

Then bore away from the celestial heights the armor shown

To the far-flung bastion of distant terrestrial shores.

These valiant soldiers of light only by His power endure

The perilous fight using weapons of spiritual warfare,

Those tried and true of the Lord, battle with overcoming prayer,

Saints sharing in God's glorious plan began so long ago;

With victory won in heaven and hell, now the earth must know.