Gauntlets are an ancient name given to our modern fingerless gloves. They are a protective glove used as a form of armor, usually extending over the forearm and worn as a part of medieval armor. They were large, made of iron, and had small plates to cover the fingers and protect the hand. To "toss the gauntlet down" means you are presenting an open challenge to another. To " take up the gauntlet" means you are accepting a challenge.
Living the Christian life in service to God means we are continually in need of protective armor so that we can be ready for every spiritual challenge we face. just like "taking up the gauntlet" we actually are supposed to be "taking up the whole armor of God" and standing ready for battle.
Ephesians 6:10-18(NASB) talks about the Armor of God:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints."
The Message Version goes like this:
" God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."
My youth group leader made me, my twin, and our best friend our own "gauntlets" for our graduation as a symbol for God's armor. She told us, "Be prepared in your life to battle against any evil that would come against you. Know God's Word, His Truth, His Righteousness, His Peace, His Salvation. Protect your faith. Nurture your relationship with Him. Be in prayer. Read His Word. If you are prepared in this life, with God at your side, nothing can stand against you."
Not just in college, but our entire lives, we are going to face battles. Things happen that are hard, and we have to try and find our way. We need protection, we need armor, we need Jesus.
I look at those gloves that my youth group leader made me and I remember that the God of the Universe is looking out for and protecting me from the dangers that come my way.
