Under siege part-4

 It was nice taking a break from the armor of God and talk about the compassion of Jesus and about listening to the voice of God. I decided to take a break because I felt prompted by the Spirit to write about those two subjects, and it was really a blessing!

Now we must go back to the very important armor of God that gives us protection against the schemes of the devil. It's time to talk about the third element of the armor, the shoes. "and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15 ESV)

You would say why shoes? Well, let's put it this way. Don't you need comfortable shoes specially for occasions when you know they're really necessary? This could be work, extenuating sports or any other activity where walking or running is required. It was no different for the Roman soldier. They needed comfortable shoes. At the time, this type of shoes were made with spikes or textured soles as well as with a breathable structure. Not only they would provide comfort to the soldier when walking or running depending on the situation, but they would also allow them to stand their ground when fighting the incoming enemy. The spikes will sink into the ground, giving the soldier stability for a hand to hand combat. The shoes will keep the soldier from falling. Moreover, the shoes would be kind of like a defensive piece. When a lot of soldiers marched together, they would eventually trample their enemy with those pointy spikes unavoidably causing a lot of damage and possibly death. The shoes were really a necessary element in the soldiers armor to facilitate the mobility and steadiness that they needed to fight their enemies well. There's really nothing unnecessary in the whole armor of God.

Now, what does Paul mean by saying we need to put our shoes with readiness given by the gospel peace? I think he has in mind Isaiah 52:7: "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). The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. In other words, Paul is saying: " You put your shoes on, because you need to be ready to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. You need to be able to go the distance to take the message of the Gospel of salvation in Jesus. Wasn't it Jesus who said: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15 KJV)? And wasn't it Peter who said: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."? (Peter 3:15 ESV)

"The hope that is in you" is Jesus and we need to be prepared to make a defense to any one who asks about Him. Like a Roman soldier, we need to display this kind of preparation, availability and comfortability to a world that doesn't know Him yet. We are not called soldiers of Christ for nothing. We need to make Him known.

Why Gospel of peace? Because He's the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), He gives us peace (John 14:27) and many more. We tend to neglect the less notorious elements of the armor of God but they're all important. They are all mentioned for a reason. And the shoes of readiness for the Gospel of peace are no less.

Are you ready to share the good news of Jesus? Are you getting prepared to offer a defense when the opportunity arise? Are you standing solid on the Word of God and the God of the Word? Are you depending only on Him? It reminds me of the words of the hymn:

 "My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand"

So my friend put on those shoes and start walking and let somebody say about you: "Beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news". Let's spread the good news of our King. It'll be good for our soul and for the good of others. "He who wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). Are you wise? I think you could be! Give the world the hope that is in you. It's in dire need of it. Don't neglect it!