Lessons on Uzziah (2)—Well Equipped Soldiers - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

Uzziah had an army of fighting men to help the king against the enemy. Then Uzziah prepared for them, for the entire army, shields, spears, helmets, body armor, bows, and slings to cast stones.
2 Chronicles 26:11, 13-14

Lessons on Uzziah (2)—Well Equipped Soldiers
Uzziah was ready to face the enemy; his army was well equipped, in order, and ready to help the king at any moment.

From the moment we believed in Christ and His redemptive work for us, we have been introduced into a battle against the flesh which is in us, against the system of things around us which rejects God, and against our enemy the devil who, before that, was our spiritual father (cf. Jn. 8:44). But we are also called to give testimony to the Lord Jesus: "Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Pet. 3:15); and also to personally know and contribute to propagating the truth: "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me" (2 Tim. 1:13; cf. 2:2, 15). But for all these things we must be occupied with the Word of God, and fully equipped, as we read in Ephesians 6:11: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

In this regard, it is interesting to notice parallels between the two passages when it comes to the equipment Uzziah prepared for his entire army. In Ephesians 6:14-18 we read about the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit (the spears, bows, and slings), the helmet of salvation, and the breastplate of righteousness (the body armor).

Are we fully equipped like every single soldier in the army of Uzziah? The whole armor is available to every single believer, but we must put it on: faith and complete trust in God; the enjoyment of a full and complete salvation; the righteousness of Christ, and our practical righteousness in all our doings; and being acquainted and occupied with the Word of God. If we feel we are missing a part, let us not start this day without putting on all its pieces in the presence of the Lord so as to be ready, and "help the king against the enemy"!

Alexandre Leclerc