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10/6 Reading Portions: 1 Kings 9; Ephesians 6; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 90
Ephesians 6:15
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
SHOES
The motionless soul need not be concerned with “the cosmic powers of this present darkness” (Eph 6:12), as Satan’s minions of principalities and powers are not threatened by such idle professions of casual belief. The pilgrim Christian or Christiana, however, has a journey ahead of him or her which requires shoes of heavenly design, footgear made with celestial love, footwear sufficient for eternal use. Our journey for Jesus is along a path in this fallen world which is fraught with peril and encounters with the enemy; and therefore, we must put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Having been provided this blessed footwear through the pierced hands and feet of our Master, it would be the acme of foolishness to carry our gospel shoes under our arm in a box. Sadly, some Christians essentially and effectively do this with the gospel. They stub their toes on the rocks of worldly reason and oft injure their soles (souls) from the earth’s cursed thorns and thistles. “We don’t want to get such beautiful shoes dirty,” they argue; and insist, “we’ll put them on for special occasions” (like for church or conferences). Not so with the sojourning Christian. When we’ve put Christ’s gospel on our feet, we find a comfort in our walk (behavior) and a strength in our stride (good, gospel works) produced through the supernatural means of the Spirit’s indwelling power, a fruitfulness which can only come from a life abiding in the Vine (John 15:5). Christ’s gospel shoes are versatile as well, suitable for walking, running, climbing, or combat; and even for fine dining when we gather with other pilgrims each week— and ultimately, for when we sit down at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. May we, by God’s grace, stand upon Christ’s gospel of peace, always, in all ways. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Our gospel shoes are not for show,
They are for daily use;
Put them on wherever you go
And walk in gospel truth.