Now we move to the next part of our armor to protect us from straying away from God and give us the ability to say no to Satan. With the gospel of peace, we are able to defend ourselves properly. Notice the gospel of peace is worn on our feet! A firm and sure foundation is the start of any building’s success.
Ephesians 6:15 “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”
Feet is something we don’t talk about much. It is an unattractive part of the body that women seek to cover with the prettiest shoes they can find. So much of the time shoes are bought more for looks than comfort. However, if you have bunions or plantar fasciitis as I’ve had, you soon realize that a good comfortable shoe is one of the most important parts of your wardrobe.
In the days of the Roman Empire when the letter to the Ephesians was written, soldiers were mostly foot soldiers. Meaning, they walked into, and during the battle. It was crucial they protect their feet. The shoes worn by them were called caligae. They were specifically designed to keep their feet healthy. They had three layers of leather, which were pulled up and laced around the ankle. This leather was thick but soft and pliable to help protect from blisters and foot diseases. On the bottom were small spikes called hobnails. These would have been driven from the second layer through the bottom to give them a firm footing on rough terrain. The shoes formed the foundation of his armor. If the shoes aren’t properly fitted it will limit the progress and the success of his battle.
In Ephesians 6:15, the word preparation in Greek is hetoimasia. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the Old and New Testament says this hetoimasia, or preparation is the firm foundation. “The Gospel itself is to be the firm footing of the believer, his walk being worthy of it and therefore a testimony in regard to it.” The gospel message is the solid footing a Christian must have to face the battles of life.
The word gospel simply means “good news.” The good news of Jesus Christ changed our world from a place of despair and depravity to a place of hope and morality for those who believe. Now there could be hope, joy, peace, and love, to all who would embrace and follow this gospel.
As Christians, we should be prepared to share this good news with everyone. When we moved to Richmond, Virginia, we helped start a church. The name of that church is Good News. I can think of no greater name for a church, good news means gospel! If we are saved, we hold within us the good news of Jesus Christ. The ministry we were beginning was that of sharing the good news with anyone who would listen. Today, after several decades, that church is still sharing the good news to Richmond, and to the regions beyond the United States.
We have all been commissioned to share the gospel. When Jesus left this world to ascend back to His Father in Heaven he left a command for all who believe. It was, go and tell. We are to share with others this gospel of peace so that others can be at peace with God through Jesus Christ. The gospel, the good news of Jesus, is the foundation of our peace with God. Once we have made peace with God, we can then have the peace of God as we experience him as our Father and we, as his children.
Romans 8:16-17 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Now go lace up those shoes and share the firm footing in life that the good news brings.
Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
