~ Shoes of Peace ~
“Having shod your feet with the preparation of the
gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
Good feet
are essential for any soldier. Without
good footwear it is hard for a foot soldier to accomplish military feats. Good sandals, shoes, or boots represent
movement and the ability to go. There is
historical evidence that suggests superior footwear allowed the Roman army to
advance successfully due to the spikes on the soles of their footwear. Good traction provides stability on uneven or
slippery ground and provides protection for the feet. In martial arts the stance is considered
critical. It is only from a proper solid
stance that all kinds of kicks and punches can effectively be launched.
In Biblical
days the enemy would sometimes scatter sharp stones or barbed spikes along the
main routes to slow the enemy down. In
modern warfare mankind uses land mines, or more recently IEDs (Improvised
Explosive Devices) just under the surface.
Satan, the great enemy of Christ and His army is similar in how he
scatters snares and traps to slow us, or even stop us, from spreading the
gospel of peace.
The cleats
or spikes of a Christian soldier are fashioned by the
Word of God. Jesus said, “Go into all
the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). When Jesus
came to earth the first time, an angel accompanied by a multitude of heavenly
beings pronounced, “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). When He comes the second time it
will be as the Prince of Peace bringing lasting peace to His people. Is it surprising that our foot protection is
related to the gospel of peace?
The Word of
God is both an offensive and defensive weapon.
When Satan tempted the Messiah, each temptation was responded to with
God’s Word (Matthew 4:1-11).
The Word of
God is likewise critical for our spiritual battles. We have been given clear commands to go on the offense such as, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority
has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matthew
28:18-20). Another related command is,
“Sanctify
[set apart] the Lord God in your
hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason
for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).
We have also
been given clear commands about being
prepared defensively. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may
devour. Resist him, steadfast in the
faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9a). Defensive preparation is the major point of
the passage we are looking at in this series.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness
in the heavenly places. Therefore take
up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13).
don’t miss this ~ (1) The shoes of peace – Jesus Christ is our
peace! “For He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14a). (2) In
any war it is the soldier’s responsibility to not only hold his ground but to
advance and take new ground. How are you
doing? When was the last time you
witnessed about your Savior? How long
has it been since you gained new souls for the Savior?
~ Robert
Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE
NOW
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