Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:15
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared… (NLT)
What Does it Mean?
The third piece of armour that God provides us with are the shoes of the gospel of peace. Like the other pieces of armour we’ve looked at so far, it is symbolic of a piece of the armour a Roman soldier would have worn. The Roman soldier’s shoes were strong leather sandals that not only protected his feet but which also had hobnails in the soles so that his footing would be firm on the rough ground of battle.
The shoes are probably the piece of any armour that we take for granted. But imagine for a moment that you are a Roman soldier. The ground you would be fighting on would be rough, covered with sharp stones. You would not go into battle, or even march to meet an enemy, without shoes to protect your feet and give you a firm footing. It would be impossible to fight in battle, much less still be standing at the end of it, without shoes.
But what are the shoes of the gospel of peace in the spiritual armour that God gives us? There are a couple of aspects to understanding what is meant by this part of the armour. In Isaiah 52:7, the prophet refers to the feet of the people bringing the good news. The word ‘gospel’ actually means ‘good news’, and the gospel of peace is the good news of Jesus Christ. Therefore, when we fit our feet with the shoes of the gospel of peace, we are ready to share the good news with other people.
To do this, we have to have a good understanding of the gospel ourselves, and this gives us a firm footing with which to fight in the battle against satan’s army. Not only that, but every time we share the gospel and lead someone else to Christ, we’re increasing the size of the army that fights alongside us. The second aspect is the word peace in itself. Understanding the gospel and what has been won and done for us gives us a peace that enables us to face down our enemy without any fear – with peace in our hearts that comes from knowing that the ultimate battle has already been won on the cross and that we have the promise of eternal life to look forward to once our own personal battles have been fought and won.
Ponder-Points
When was the last time you talked to a non-Christian about Jesus?
Do you know enough about the gospel to be able to share it confidently with others?
Think back to the list you made on day one. How might your understanding of the gospel and the shoes of the gospel of peace that you wear be used in the battle against satan’s army?
Prayer
Father God, we thank you for the gospel of peace that enables us to stand our ground against the devil’s many schemes. Thank you that because of the gospel truth, we can face down the enemy without fear. But, Father God, help us to remember that we have a duty, too, to share the gospel with those who do not know the power of its wonderful message. Help us to use every opportunity to tell more and more people about the good news of Jesus Christ.