Paul The Apostle tells us in his letter to the Ephesians (6:13) that we are to stand (against the wiles of the devil). And – of course – nothing makes standing easier than a good pair of shoes.
Now – in Part 3 of this 6 part series on the Armor Of God – we will discuss the sandals.
Ephesians 6:13-15
Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace,
Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace,
In these three verses, Paul the Apostle uses the word “stand” (or a version of it) three times.
How Did A Roman’s Soldier’s Sandals Help Him Stand?
The visible part of a Roman soldier’s sandals were made from leather. But the most important part of the sandal was at the bottom, where metal studs (now known as cleats) were affixed to provide sound and balanced footing. The sandals literally helped the Roman soldier keep his feet firmly planted on the ground.
The metal studs also helped ensure the Roman soldier would have better footing no matter the terrain (muddy, sandy, or rocky). What terrain might God put us in? Will we have to talk to a new Christian and encourage her in her faith? Will we meet an atheist in desperate need of Christ? Whatever terrain we find ourselves in, the sandals of the Armor Of God will help us stand firm.
The sandals – the preparation (READINESS) of the Good News (Gospel) of peace – also provide us with peace.
Just What Should We Be READY For?
We have to be READY AT ALL TIMES to share the Gospel – the GOOD NEWS – with others. We also have to be ready for whatever job Father God has in mind for us. That might mean sharing the good news of Christ Jesus … checking in on an elderly neighbor … donating to your church’s food drive.
What Exactly Is The Good News Of Peace?
The word peace in Hebrew is Shalom. It means peace, but also has the connotation of well-being. The good news of Jesus Christ brings us peace, wholeness, and well-being.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
Jesus is our source of peace. He has given us His peace. We have wholeness because of the price that Jesus paid for us.
The sandals (the preparation of the Good News of peace) allows us to stand in the victory that Christ has given us.
