Take Up the Armaments
A Spoken-Word Poem
This was a poem I wrote several years back, on request of my pastor, for our church’s sermon series on the armour of God from Ephesians 6, which runs thusly in the ESV:
“…be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…”
The poem is largely free-form spoken-word in style.
I pray this may give a fresh light to a passage that so often feels cliché.
Take Up the Armaments
My Lord said to me:
"Lift my armaments upon you -
"your protection from the darts of the Enemy.
"Before I formed
the foundations of the world
I forged them.
"Truth I wrapped
around my waist
to judge, and bring my justice.
"Righteousness I wrought as gold -
a gleaming plate
upon my breast.
"Faith I crafted
to cling unto my mighty arm
as a heavy shield, like bronze.
"I sharpened my Word
as a shining sword
to cut through soul and spirit;
"In my right hand I took it -
the terror of my Enemy -
and held it high aloft.
"Messengers I sent before me
with sandals fitted to carry
this Good News to the oppressed:
"I have done all this,
for I did not see
any who could take up the cause;
"none just enough
to bring justice to slaves,
or bread to the downtrodden.
"Where I breathed Life, Death stalked.
Where Love was planted, Hatred burrowed.
Where I gave plenty, Hunger stole.
"So I myself took up the cause -
my armour dawning -
and raised my hand to strike them!
"Now I've defeated
Death and Sin -
they hold no strength or power!
"My armaments I give
to all who call
upon the Name I chose:
"The Son of Man,
the Son of God,
who's blood, from death, brings Life.
"The Christ, the Truth,
who clothes in Righteousness
those who believe in Him.
"By Faith they're shielded
and saved by grace -
there's Peace on the ground they tread.
"And my Spirit will fill
the Soul who trusts
my Word - that it is finished!"
So I'll heed my Lord and put on Jesus as my strength
by prayer and supplication,
in evil days standing firm,
and before my God sing praise!Thank you for reading.
Amen! 🗡️🛡️
This is my favorite verse:
"The Son of Man,
the Son of God,
whose blood, from death, brings Life."