The average kid has grown up imbibing the notion of superheroes through comic books, television, and in recent years, a series of successful blockbuster movies. Their imaginations are thus well primed and sensibilities attuned to the situations that provoke the timely and rescue-ready appearances of these beloved champions.
To the chagrin of their parents and teachers whose attention-vying abilities are often pitted against the mesmerizing powers these fictional heroes hold over their young ones, these fantasy-schooled fans are notably armed with unrivaled cosmic screen-focusing powers and thoroughly versed in the cinematic multiverse lingo, often in sharp contrast to the attention and linguistic abilities they should be displaying towards their educational pursuits ……..
Certain words tend to stir the exhilaration & nostalgia reminiscent of those action-packed superhero scenarios. The most evocative are framed as power-punched one-liners which simultaneously capture the imminence of adventure, danger, or, as is often the case, a combination of both, and the escapade-ready, combat-conscious “bring it on!” attitude that is often requisite and characteristic of courage-driven conquest. My all-time favorite? “Suit-Up!”
Clad in modern-day garb & nuanced in everyday lingo, this simple phrase is anything but simple; it is laden with a strong sense of gravity, driven by undeniable urgency, and burdened by a strong weight of responsibility, yet (in the movies at least), is often laced with a seemingly paradoxical sense of levity. Inarguably, it always compels immediacy.
The Bible is replete with examples of the same weighty imperative, albeit worded in language and allusions best suited to its cross-cultural, trans-generational audience. The injunction is unequivocal to every sincere seeker, irrespective of the authentic version or translation studied.
**🛡Scripture’s “Suit-Up!” Strategies🦸🏼♂️**
🤺Put on the whole armor of God… (Ephesians 6:12-18)
🛡❤️🔥 ……. putting on the breastplate of faith and love… taking the shield of faith … (1 Thessalonians 5:8; Ephesians 6:16)
📖⚔️ For the Word of God is alive and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… (Hebrews 4:12)
💪🏽 … arm yourselves likewise … (1 Peter 4:1)
👁 Be sober, be vigilant … resist him … (1 Peter 5:8-9)
🏹🛡 … by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and the left… (2 Corinthians 6:7)
💣🏹🧨 … for the weapons of our warfare are not ordinary ….. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
🤺… put on the Lord Jesus Christ … (Romans 13:12-14)
💂Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong …. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
…………………………………. SUIT UP!!
