The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due. From the west, people will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the Lord drives along. “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord. “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.
—Isaiah 59:15-21

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
—Ephesians 6:10-17

~~~~~

Dressed in His Righteousness
By Jennifer Kane

Truth was fallen in the streets, | Stand, girded with truth,
So He wrapped Himself in righteousness, | Fasten the belt, firm and tight.
Clothed in salvation like a warrior’s helm, | Wear the helmet of salvation bright.
His cloak was burning zeal, | Take up the shield of faith,
A breastplate of justice upon His heart, | Breastplate of righteousness in place.
His arm brought forth redemption, | Feet ready with peace’s embrace.
His words like a sharpened sword, | Wield the Spirit’s blade, the Word.
Vengeance He bore like a robe, | But battle is not ours alone—
For those who rise against the Lord, | We wrestle not against flesh and bone.
The Redeemer comes, bringing life, | Pray in the Spirit, watch and stand,
For those who turn from sinful strife. | Strengthened by His mighty hand.

~~~~~

Scripture: Isaiah 59:12-21, Ephesians 6:10-17

A little child watches their father with wide-eyed admiration. They see their father buttoning up a crisp uniform, lacing sturdy boots, fastening a belt, and donning a helmet. Filled with love and awe, the child rushes to their toy chest, grabbing whatever they can to mimic their parent’s attire. Perhaps the belt is too loose, the boots too big, and the helmet slides down over their eyes—but the child doesn’t care. They just want to be like the one they love.

This image reflects the way we, as God’s children, respond to His great work of salvation. In Isaiah 59, we see the depths of human sin—our transgressions stand before God, and we are helpless to save ourselves. Yet, God does not abandon us. He sees that no one is able to bring salvation, so He acts Himself. He puts on righteousness like a warrior preparing for battle, securing salvation by His own mighty arm. Jesus, in His death and resurrection, fulfills this prophecy, becoming our intercessor and champion against sin and darkness.

Then, in Ephesians 6, Paul calls us to dress in the armor of God—an echo of Isaiah’s vision. Just as a child imitates their parent, we are called to put on the very righteousness, truth, and salvation that God Himself wears. Our armor is not our own strength; it is His. The breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the helmet of salvation—all are gifts from God, given through Christ.

But notice the child’s heart in dressing up. They don’t do it to earn their parent’s love; they do it because they already have it. Likewise, we don’t put on God’s armor to earn salvation—we wear it because we are saved. Out of love and reverence, we clothe ourselves in His strength, standing firm in faith.

Have you recognized that salvation is God’s work, not yours? Rest in the truth that He has already fought the battle and won.
In what ways are you imitating your heavenly Father? Are you clothing yourself daily in truth, righteousness, and faith?
Like a child delighted to be like their parent, put on the full armor of God—not as a burden, but as a joyful response to His love.

~~~~~

Father God, thank You for doing what I could never do—bringing salvation through Your own righteousness. I am in awe of You. Help me to walk in Your ways, putting on the armor You provide, not out of fear, but out of love and trust. May my life reflect You more each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

March 18 2025