"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand…" (Ephesians 6:11).

Recently I discovered a most amazing fact in my daughter's science text.  Among all the constellations, that one which is called "Orion" out-shines the rest.  Here is a grand-scale reminder by way of unmatched illustration to take up the whole armor of God and, having done all, to stand.  Marking his stance are Orion's brightest stars: Betelgeuse, his right shoulder, and Rigel, his left foot.  Clothing his stature are shield, belt, sword, and perhaps one could fancy his shining foot to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Highlighting his sword is the Great Nebula, a glowing mass of gas and dust easily imagined to be stirred up by very active use of the sword! 

Should life's battles bewilder, look up.  The high hand of the God of heaven arbitrates upon earth, too.  For whatever must-needs of resolution, intervention, settlement, or judgment, the marching order is given—“Put on the full armor of God, Christian, so that you may be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one and stand, stand, stand!”  Considering the weightiness of the shoes of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith, the word of God, truth, righteousness, and salvation, little wonder standing is about all we are able to do.

Does it seem a mysterious battle plan?  Where’s the action?  Where’re the blood, sweat, and tears?  Ah, but Jesus has already wept.  His sweat fell like great drops of blood.  His blood has already been shed in the battle against the dark rulers of this age and the wicked hosts in the heavenly places.  The dust is still settling, but all has been done; the fiery darts are still flying, but faith extinguishes the flaming mass of glowing darts of the evil one.  For today’s battles, the Bright and Morning Star marks our stance.