Imagine if you will, a lone runner silhouetted by blue, smoky, mountains. The winded messenger arrives at a village with a single response- “We are saved!” The crowd cheers as the herald continues on, with feet swiftly moving to the next town. A collective sigh permeates the square and peace replaces anxiety.
Now plug into your imagination that same scenario. What message do you need to hear today? How would you feel if you heard those words? Where are your thoughts drifting…peace or anxiety?
Our Prince of Peace, the Messenger of Grace has arrived- and we can experience that peace every moment of our lives.
Isaiah 52:7 tells of one who will bring Good News, the Gospel to the World:
“How beautiful upon the mountain 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!”
Is that surprising? Our Prince of Peace has “Beautiful feet.” He brings us the Good News that we are not alone, but that God is in Control, no matter what!
Luke 1:79 reiterates this theme as Zacharias shares the purpose of the coming Messiah- Jesus.
“To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
The word guide in this passage gives the idea that one will make a straight path, remove hindrances. We, who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior have had the privilege of experiencing that guidance.
So, the question must be answered, “Are you walking through life barefoot?” If Jesus is our Prince of Peace-the one who guides our feet into the way of peace, then why are so many of us not experiencing that security?
Let’s take a look at the prescription for acquiring Peace. Ephesians 6:10-18
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..”
We have to actively put on the shoes of Peace. Some versions say that our feet must be, “shod” or “fitted”. The image is of one binding a pair of sandals to their feet. If our feet are not properly fit with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace, then we walk through life “barefoot.”
Again, imagine our runner traversing through miles of uncharted territory without shoes! What agony, and how could they continue to run with wounded feet? Or how many of you have walked a day in ill-fitting shoes only to suffer the next day from blisters?
As we begin each day, our Prince of Peace has equipped us with a valuable piece of armor, shoes of peace. This peace comes from the knowledge that the Gospel, the truth that God’s “Shalom” which passes all understanding of our circumstances, is available.
Now putting on these shoes is a choice. If I am in a hurry and do not take time to “bind” these shoes properly, then I run the risk of tripping (both spiritually and physically) and not being a peace bearer to others or experiencing peace personally. The Gospel of Peace, the Good News that comes from the salvation message of Jesus has the power to transform my mind, my heart, my words and my actions.
The passage in Ephesians has a common thread. Paul encourages us four times to “stand”. Have you ever stood for a long time in uncomfortable shoes? We must have support in order to stand firm. As soldiers and daughters of the King- we are equipped to face each day with peace. The ups and downs, the good and the bad can all come under the jurisdiction of peace because of the Gospel.
Today, are your feet feeling the support of the peace that comes from the Gospel? Do you walk into your day confident that you will be a peace herald? If not, look down. Check your feet. Maybe you are barefoot. Go back and put on those shoes of peace and stand firm in the promises of God!
Soli Deo Gloria!
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Filed under: Spiritual Growth, Women and Faith Tagged: | Peace, strength in weakness
From someone who too often forgets those shoes, thanks for the reminder and the encouragement. My love to you both!