Dented Penny

Dented Penny

Bible:Ephesians 6:10–18

Stand firm then . . . with the breastplate of righteousness in place (V.14).

Reading

Private John Trickett kept a penny in the top breast pocket of his uniform during World War I. He kept it as a reminder of home. But it became much more valuable than that! John got hit by a bullet in 1914, but the penny—tucked away in his pocket, and covering his heart—deflected the bullet and saved his life. The dented coin was passed down through generations of his family— generations that wouldn’t have existed if it weren’t for that penny. That dented penny reminds us why armour is so important. And so Paul told the Ephesians to put on “the full armour of God” every day (EPHESIANS 6:11). The breastplate in the armour, which would have covered most of the soldier’s body, including his vital organs, is likened to “righteousness” (V.14). Our right relationship with God is our best protection for whatever we face today. We are covered in Jesus’ perfection. All our past and future wrongs have been paid for. We cannot be accused of anything (ROMANS 8:33), no matter what guilty feelings the devil tries to fire our way. Now nothing can separate us from God’s love (VV.38-39). The breastplate and the other pieces of God’s armour allow us to “stand [our] ground” when we face temptations and problems (EPHESIANS 6:13). We are in a battle against an enemy who wants to distract us from God, even today (VV.11-12). When we wear the armour of God, through prayer and reading the Bible, God gives us His unfailing strength and “mighty power” (V.10).

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS OUR BEST
PROTECTION FOR WHATEVER WE FACE TODAY.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries