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 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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