Armor of God: Shod with Gospel of Peace

Via TJC

“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. … and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”  Ephesians 6:10-15 (ESV)

We are looking at the Armor of God this week. Today we’re looking at having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Why shoes (or sandals, etc.)? Today, athletes in various sports have cleats or spikes, because maintaining a firm foundation is important for success, no matter what gets thrown at them. In Roman times, soldiers had spikes at the bottom of their sandals because standing firm and not slipping was vital for their survival, no matter the terrain, or even blood flowing around them.

OK, so the concept of cleats or spikes for standing firm makes sense to me and I think for most reading this DBO.

But what do shoes have to do with preparation of the gospel of peace? For me, it was one of those Bible verses that I hoped may make sense later, until actually “digging in”.

A gospel (=”Great News!”) was a public Proclamation of a significant happening (not something insignificant like a chariot sale next week, but significant, like a great military victory). This “Great News” to be loud and to be repeated.

I also stumbled over “peace” until  … learning that How this peace is achieved is more important than just the end result; this peace is not the kind of “peace” obtained by hitting someone on the head.

There is a distinction between peace of this world (Roman peace or “Pax Romana”) and Shalom:

• Pax Roman is the absence of conflict. Shalom is God’s presence with us, despite external circumstances.

• The peace of this world is partial; Shalom is complete, whole.

• One can make a Peace Treaty; Shalom is the condition of peace.

• Shalom (Internal or External) is not based on our viewpoints or selfish desires, but on God’s presence with us.

Now putting this together, here is what I learned: Storms will come to all of us. For me, I need God’s Peace (=His presence) with me.  Only with His peace can I stand firm and Not get knocked down by the storms that come. I need His peace, daily.

When I got up this morning, I put on my belt, breastplate, and shoes (because I needed it).

Standing Battle Order: Daily choose to put on your belt, breastplate, and shoes.

Daily Battle Order: Did you start today by putting on your belt, breastplate, and shoes? They’re not going on by themselves - you have to choose to put on the Armor of God, Otherwise you’re facing the world naked and unequipped.

It is one thing to think you've been living out His righteousness, in peace & standing firm, and another to hear from someone that knows us well. Get honest feedback today by discussing standing firm, in peace, with someone close to you.