Shoes: They come in all sizes and styles. From a first
pair of lace, baby booties to sturdy, orthopedic shoes for the elderly, you can
find shoes for everyone.
I’m not someone who is overly concerned about her
shoes. I have one good pair of running shoes. (Although I mostly walk.) I have one durable pair of black shoes for
work, fitted with custom inserts to support my feet and back. I found a pair of
dress shoes that I liked with a decent support. I bought that style in three
colors. I also have some sandals. These and some boots pretty much sum up my shoe
wardrobe. I have the shoes I need for the different aspects of my life.
The Bible speaks of shoes. Referring to the armor of
God Paul instructs, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by
the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15 ESV) These spiritual shoes appear to have two
significant characteristics; readiness and peace. In my mind, the readiness places a picture of
a runner in the starting block. He is poised and ready to go at the signal to
start. The other significant characteristic is the gospel of peace. The good
news of Jesus Christ affects all areas of our lives. Peace is central to it.
Hearing the
term gospel can cause one to think of the four books that describe the life of
Jesus Christ here on earth. This can limit the gospel to a timeline from his
birth to resurrection and then include the value of the salvation he has
offered us. But the gospel is so much more than a biography of the life and
times of Jesus of Nazareth. It truly is
a gospel, or good news, of peace and restoration.
Several
hundred years before His birth, the coming of Jesus was prophesied, and peace
was ascribed to both His character and kingdom. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall
be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the
increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,” (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV) His birth is then proclaimed
by the angels as bringing this peace to earth. “Glory to God in the
highest [heaven], and on earth peace among
men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].” (Luke 2:14
AMP) And shortly before his death and resurrection,
Jesus says to the disciples, “Peace I
leave
with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do
I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV) The earthly ministry of Jesus Christ was
centered on bringing peace to mankind.
The entire
New Testament describes peace in with God through the forgiveness of sins. It
studies how to receive this peace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It also
expresses our need to live at peace with each other. Paul began nearly all of his letters
expressing peace to those whom he was addressing. Peter and John used similar
salutations. In several letters, the closing remarks also included a
proclamation of peace. We are to be representatives of God’s forgiveness to all
we come in contact with. “If possible, so far as
it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18 ESV) We are also told, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which
indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians
3:15 ESV)
Jesus has
done the work, “Therefore, since we
have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ. Through him
we have also obtained
access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the
glory of God.” (Romans 5:1 ESV)
He also encourages us “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV) Study
His promises and live in His peace.
When we come with the gospel of peace, our feet
are called beautiful. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes
salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” (Isaiah 52:7 ESV) When we live closely tied to Jesus, we can
take the peace we have received and share it with others who need it.
Remember that image I mentioned earlier of a runner in the starting
block? When you consider the life of peace you have through Jesus, do you feel his
anticipation? That runner is full of adrenalin, just waiting for the
opportunity to run freely. We should have that same desire to share the peace
that Jesus Christ has provided for us. So put on your gospel shoes and let’s
get running. The starting signal has sounded.
Note: If you do not have this peace, it is
available to you through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Acknowledge that His sacrifice was the
payment for your guilt and ask Him to forgive your sins. Then commit your life to following His plan
for you. Read the Bible and find
believers that can help you on your journey with Jesus.
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