Thursday, January 14, 2016
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you
will be fully prepared.
Ephesians 6:15 (NLT)
Army basic training at Fort
Gordon, Georgia in August of 1966 was such a joy. We went on marches in the woods. It was like a rain forest, hot and
steamy. It rained for two centuries
during those 8 weeks of basic.
There were two things our
Drill Sergeant’s voice bored into our brains on those long wonderful campouts – salt and socks.
He would (so lovingly) drone:
Gentlemen…and also yo’
lowlife privates, that little salt tablet will keep yo’ insides wet; an’
whut-evah y’all do, y’all bett-ah keep them socks dry!
Yes, Drill Sergeant!
Paul is no drill sergeant,
but he was concerned about making sure the church at Ephesus understood Gospel
footgear – the preparation of peace.
Correct footwear is one of
the most important items of equipment to a soldier. A Roman soldier caught with ragged foot gear
was liable to severe punishment. It
wasn’t just a fickle, arbitrary military game.
If a soldier couldn’t march, he couldn’t fight.
The gospel conquers the
inner world. Every victory in the
Christian’s life depends on that peace.
Friend, just like the
ancient soldier was going nowhere without his proper footwear – no one comes to
God without good news – the Gospel. And
wouldn’t it be a strange thing to be called “Christian” (meaning: a disciple or follower of
Christ) and not have the Word of God – Jesus – THE Gospel,
carrying and directing our steps every inch of the journey?
And,
truth be told, walking in those sandals is the only way to have the peace
promised by the Prince of Peace.
For You Today
If you lack peace today,
give up whatever religious activity in which you’ve been dabbling. And let God give you real peace.
Good news – Good shoes!
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