Pad up!
by Darren Pope
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Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed … So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light (Romans 13:11b,12b).
You little beauty! Summer is here, and that means cricket is back on the field and on our screens. I love going to the cricket with my family to cheer on our team in all game forms.
Even traditional test match cricket has morphed and adapted as players bring a diverse skill set and experience from shorter and faster game versions. Intuitive cameras and in-depth commentary allow spectators to experience being immersed and involved, virtually seeing, hearing and feeling what the players experience. Stunning stumpings, faster, swinging, and spinning bowling, reverse sweep slog shots and massive sixes make games a super spectacle. But it also incrementally increases the risk for the players and umpires on the field. Protective technologies have needed to grow with the game. Players protect themselves by being personally stronger, more flexible, better conditioned and more knowledgeable about their game.
As much as the game seemingly promotes an all-out attack, high-level defence is critical to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. Players and umpires suit up before play begins each session. Players don leg pads, arm and groin protectors, rib guards, gloves, and helmets. Not one of these items actually aid the players to run faster or hit the ball better, but together, every item helps them feel less risk and play safer. Feeling safe brings a sense of increased confidence to take on super-fast bowling and smash it over the boundary rope. They still get hit by the ball, bowled out, caught out or run out, but they can participate fully, knowing that their protective body armour is shielding them.
In Ephesians, we read of the armour of God. This armour is not designed for attack. Every item permits purposeful protection. God freely offers each item to us to protect our whole being each day. Even when we don God’s armour, we will still be tempted in all aspects of living, but we can engage fully with life, feeling just a little more ‘bullet-proof’ because God has already given his life in love for us.
The song lyrics of Bulletproof by Citizen Way highlight God’s work for us and the confidence we can place in him each day.
Your Love made a way
Now I’m not afraid
No matter what the world may say or what they do
I am bulletproof because of You,
Because of You
I know you got this whole thing under control
My soul is untouchable because
You’ve already won me
My victory is not in this flesh and bone
It’s in the cross and I know
Nobody’s taking it from me
I got my armour now
No fear no doubt can shoot me down.*
Can we take on life by ourselves? Probably, but not really.
Put on the whole armour of God. Lean into him. It’s enough!
Game on. Pad up.
Check out the video here (Citizen Way 2016).
We pray:
Lord of love, thank you for being my defender each day. I know you got this whole thing under control; my soul is untouchable because you’ve already won me. Amen.
*(CCLI Song # 7059862 by Ben Calhoun | Bryan Fowler | Chris Stevens | Josh Calhoun)
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