SHOES

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” – Isaiah 52:7

The third element in the Believer’s Spiritual Armor is the Gospel SHOES of Peace. Shoes are generally designed to protect the feet in given circumstances. Special shoes are designed for football, golf, and other sports. Distinct shoes with steel toe caps and heavy soles are designed for construction. Women have unique kinds of shoes for nursing, for dancing, for walking, and for leisure. The shoes we are concerned with here are designed for spiritual warfare: “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph.6:15). This speaks of brazen boots, shoes, or sandals for the feet: to cover the front of the leg, to protect from rocks and thorns. The sandals of the Roman soldier were laced to his leg up to his ankles. They were specifically made for speed and preparation. The soldiers were trained to be swift! The soldiers typically went to bed with their shoes on – ready to move swiftly at the simplest call!

Spiritually, this piece in the Christian’s Armor denotes our preparation and readiness with the Gospel of peace (v.15). Shoes are put on, shod firmly, to walk effectively and also to be able to stand. The shoes are to give the believer sure footing, stability, and speed. Romans 10:15 asks: “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” When the Lord Jesus sent out His twelve apostles out in pairs, He commanded them “to wear sandals” (Mk.6:9). When Peter was supernaturally rescued from Herod’s prison, the angel of the Lord instructed him: “gird yourself and tie on your sandals” (Acts 12:8). Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that God hates, the fifth of which is “feet that are swift in running to evil.” Rather than pursuing evil, your feet are intended to carry the good news (Isa.52:7).

Feet are always identified with a person’s stand and walk. The apostle in Ephesians 6:15 calls for ability to stand in the fierce battle with the enemy. He anticipates firm footing and not slipping back. Our foundational Rock Christ Jesus and proper preparation with the Gospel of Peace will make you sure-footed in the faith, such that the enemy will have no chance to dislodge you. When 2 Samuel 22:34 says, “He makes my feet like hind’s feet: and sets me upon my high places,” the Lord is assuring that He will give you sure footing, strength and ability to scale the hard, rough and lofty places in God. The charge is to have your feet shod in order to be more effectively engaged in battle, and because you are required “to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph.6:13b). For your feet to carry you into battle, over rough and rugged places, you need to have them shod, equipped with adequate footing for every encounter.

Recall the prophetic blessings of Moses on Asher: “Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be” (Deut.33:25). As a soldier in God’s army, you are engaged in spiritual warfare. To hold your ground, you must be arrayed in battle gear every day. Be sure your feet are shod with the gospel of peace. Roman military boots had metal cleats to help soldiers stand firm in battle. Similarly, your spiritual “shoes” provide the solid footing of assurance – the certainty that you have peace with God and are safe in Him (Jh. 10:28). You defend your territory against the enemy as you make haste in sharing the Good News of Jesus at every available opportunity. You must be swift with the message! Stand fast on the Solid Rock! Have your loins girt about with truth, and your heart free from condemnation. The enemy will never be able to knock or wrestle you off the Rock in Jesus name!