The Armor Series, Part 3
The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
The third piece of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 is the shoes of “the preparation of the gospel of peace.” What purpose did shoes serve for a Roman soldier? What purpose do these spiritual shoes serve for us? Shoes, like the belt, may initially seem out of place in a discussion about spiritual armor. They’re great to have, but are they more of a convenience than a necessity? Are they really that important? In this lesson, we will learn why our spiritual shoes matter and why we need to make sure we’re equipped with them before we get onto the battlefield.
What purpose do shoes serve?
Imagine a fully armed soldier. He has his sword, his shield, his helmet, his breastplate and his belt…but his feet are completely bare. Something is missing. A shoeless soldier could run into real trouble in the heat of battle. Unless he is fighting on Astroturf, he is going to encounter some debris. It may be nothing more than small rocks, but to a bare foot that can cause serious pain-and one of the last things you want to deal with in the middle of a fight is worrying about where you step.
In short, shoes allow us to step freely and without fear while we turn our full attention to the battle at hand. Can you see where we are going? A good pair of shoes allows the soldier to be ready to march, climb, fight, or do whatever else is necessary. Because he is wearing those shoes he is willing to go wherever his commander sends him. He has confidence. Wow! Shoes give us confidence. Think about it, in the natural who wants to be dressed up but wearing an old pair of shoes with run over heels and unpolished? Not me!
What is the gospel of peace?
The gospel of the kingdom, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel of the kingdom of God, the gospel of the grace of God, the gospel of peace – these are some descriptions attached to the word gospel throughout the New Testament. (See Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:1; Mark 1:14; Acts 20:24; Romans 10:15)
Do all these different qualifiers mean that there are multiple gospels set forth in the bible? No. The Greek work translated gospel – euaggelion – simply means “good news”. This raises the question: the good news of what? The good news of the Kingdom of God includes the good news about Jesus Christ the King, His grace (unmerited pardon) and His plan of salvation for all mankind. This plan gives us peace now, and will bring peace to the whole world. This is the message God’s people are eager to share with others.
What does the Gospel of Peace have to do with shoes?
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Read Romans 10:14-15) God’s church is sent to announce the good news of God’s kingdom, which will spread His way of peace around the world. In spite of all human attempts at peace, it’s clear from the daily news reports that this world does not know the road to peace. (Romans 3:17) Following Christ Steps is the way to real peace. (1 John 2:6)
How do these spiritual shoes help us stand firm?
The sandals of the Roman soldier often were fitted with nails, or armed with stakes to make them hold firm in the ground. God’s good news and our mission – our marching orders – to preach – serve as our firm foundation. Just as shoes allow us to walk on otherwise painful terrain without fear, so the preparation of the gospel of peace allows us to traverse the otherwise painful trials and tribulations of life without fear, knowing that what waits is greater than anything we could possibly suffer in this world.
Why is it called a gospel of peace?
In a world lacking peace, we have an opportunity to march in, standing on the truth of the simple gospel of peace that offers salvation to anyone willing to believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, just because our purpose is to bring peace, our gospel shoes also provide traction, enabling us to stand in battle and the protection of the thick sole of the shoe also gives us support and protection during long marches. These long marches are the struggles of life that could tire or wear us out but because our feet are protected by the gospel, we can endure these seeming long marches.
So, after putting on your belt of truth, and breastplate of righteousness, do not forget your gospel shoes of peace. The Gospel itself is to be the firm footing of the believer. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:14-15)NIV The gospel message of peace (between God and His people) is the sure footing on which the Christian stands against the enemy. “If God be for us, who can be against us…” The good news is that we are at peace with God. The Roman’s sandal was furnished with nails that gripped the ground firmly, even when it was sloping or slippery; so the good news of peace keeps us upright and firm.
He who has an ear, let him hear….
Rev. Rosita
