March 15th - Breastplate of Righteousness

“…having put on the breastplate of righteousness…

(Ephesians 6:14)

After our belt of truth is secure, we can ask ourselves “Now what’s our most vulnerable place?” It’s our heart. That’s why the breastplate is our second piece of armor we put on.

What is our “breastplate of righteousness”? Thankfully, it is not a breastplate of our own righteousness, which Isaiah describes as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Through faith, our breastplate is made of the righteousness of God through Jesus

(2 Corinthians 5:21).

Then Roman soldier’s breastplate was made of bronze or chain mail and had loops or buckles that attached it to the belt, both front and back. The weight was then carried by the belt and not the soldier’s shoulders. Our shoulders, don’t have to carry the weight of providing our righteousness. We can rest in the perfect provision of His.

In Philippians 3:9, Paul said he wanted to “be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.” An online writer for gotquestions.org put it this way: “The breastplate of righteousness has Christ’s name stamped on it, as though He said, ‘Your righteousness isn’t sufficient to protect you. Wear mine.’”

Let’s thank Jesus for providing us His breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts, and ask Him to expose anything in our lives that might mar His perfect breastplate. Then, let’s confess, repent and be cleansed so that no sin tarnishes this costly, perfect breastplate He has given us.

Today’s Action:

Let’s read Proverbs 15 together, letting this chapter’s words shine a light into our open, redeemed hearts so our prayers will be a delight to Him.

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:8, 29)