“Stand therefore… having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace”
Footwear is important for comfort, agility and protection. The Roman soldiers wore boots that were sturdy yet nimble, and studded for better grip. This was apparently one of the attributing factors to their success.
Footwear also symbolises readiness. In Exodus 12:11 God commands His people to eat the Passover with their shoes on so they were ready for their exit from Egypt.
Paul says in Ephesians that we must put on the “preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). By putting on the gospel we are ready for battle, and we are ready for travelling the long journey that comes with it. We are prepared!
How does the gospel help us with this? By nature we are slow, sluggish and easily distracted. The road of our spiritual warfare is long, with many obstacles and discouragements. According to Paul, the best defence against this is the gospel. The gospel of peace helps us overcome obstacles, weariness and discouragement.
There is no other way to tread the path of war than with the gospel of peace. From the gospel comes the good news of our own salvation, our own innocence and our reconciliation through the blood of Jesus Christ. This relieves us of a huge burden and gives us the courage and zeal to fight. It gives us peace (Romans 5:1)!
Footwear is important for comfort, agility and protection. The Roman soldiers wore boots that were sturdy yet nimble, and studded for better grip. This was apparently one of the attributing factors to their success.
Footwear also symbolises readiness. In Exodus 12:11 God commands His people to eat the Passover with their shoes on so they were ready for their exit from Egypt.
Paul says in Ephesians that we must put on the “preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). By putting on the gospel we are ready for battle, and we are ready for travelling the long journey that comes with it. We are prepared!
How does the gospel help us with this? By nature we are slow, sluggish and easily distracted. The road of our spiritual warfare is long, with many obstacles and discouragements. According to Paul, the best defence against this is the gospel. The gospel of peace helps us overcome obstacles, weariness and discouragement.
There is no other way to tread the path of war than with the gospel of peace. From the gospel comes the good news of our own salvation, our own innocence and our reconciliation through the blood of Jesus Christ. This relieves us of a huge burden and gives us the courage and zeal to fight. It gives us peace (Romans 5:1)!
Put on the gospel. Put on shoes that are better than iron and bronze (Deuteronomy 33:25). Then go out and proclaim the gospel of peace:
How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:6)
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