Gospel of peace 2

(Ephesians 6:15) “And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”

When I initially think about a battle, my thoughts instinctively go to what weapons do I have at my disposal? But give it some thought and one will quickly realise how important shoes are! Today normally worn as an outer covering for the foot, usually made of leather, fabric, or plastic but back then “shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (1Sa_17:6): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby thinks this may be the sense of the words: “That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps,” etc.” (Matthew Henry)

Once we declare to others that we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ and that we have been bought by a very costly price, the death of God’s own son! We then put it out there and we will be watched by the enemy waiting for us to trip up. Sadly most along the way will stumble and fall, there will be accusation thrown at the believer and often forlornly with just cause. We all have our own particular path we need to travel! “For we all stumble in many ways...” (James 3:2) Nevertheless when we share the gospel with others it not only enlightens them to the truth but it also has the potential to free someone that is lost; and it most certainly equips us, it reminds us that we are in God’s army and that we are surely at war. It prompts us of the task at hand, our ultimate goal, heaven and all its glory!

As Christians we often find ourselves so self-absorbed with our faults that we often tend to overlook Christ’s wonderful achievement; - life to all who would believe!

  

Think on this infallible fact; - the victory has already been won; whilst the Lord Jesus hung upon the cross of Calvary, with a thorn crowned brow, a gaping hole in His side while He gasped for air with death looming, He cried “it is finished!” Even though we struggle with the issues of life, the truth has already been establish regardless of our short comings; here is a verse that once we make it our own it will be like a vitamin B injection; “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:30-31)

Whilst sharing this wonderful Gospel message, a life-line to the lost, all those who are dead in their trespasses and sins; we must however learn to be gentle and yet firm with what God has given us. On the one hand it is far too easy to excuse ourselves while judging others and on the other hand extremely too easy to excuse our sin as if it isn’t a serious concern. It is because of sin, this the sole reason why our Saviour had to die on Calvary’s hill! His message is a message of hope and while we have breath we must proclaim this wonderful message…“If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” (John 12:47)

Shoes then are an imperative part of God’s amour! Let us dress for battle, let us seek out God’s graces readily in season, sharing this wonderful message of hope to all who would lend an ear.

Signing off

Tyrone