Ephesians 6:15 AMP
“And having strapped on YOUR FEET THE GOSPEL OF PEACE IN PREPARATION [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].”
A Roman soldier’s armour included open-sandal shoes, called “caligae.” These military sandals were the sign of an equipped soldier, always prepared and ready to move. The openness of the caligae enabled the soldier to wear them all day. They could march, work, or stand in them for hours without any discomfort. It was common that soldiers would march 25 miles; their feet might hurt as they marched, but they would have no blisters.
Attached to bottom of the caligae were sharp studs; these were a protection for the soldiers’ feet over rough ground, and also used as “weapons” to stomp on fallen enemies in battle.
Those soldiers needed firm footing in order to concentrate on the battle at hand. Therefore, a soldier’s shoes formed a firm foundation for his military weapons, equipment and endeavours.
Likewise, God has also provided us with shoes made of the Gospel of Peace, which give us us a firm foundation and grounding for our battle with the enemy. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the Gospel of peace and reconciliation between God and man. On the day of Jesus’ birth, God sent a multitude of angels to declare peace towards humanity…
Luke 2:13-14 NKJV
“[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: [14] “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!””
During His lifetime, Jesus did two pilot projects by sending out two batches His disciples to go and preach the Good News of the Kingdom. He instructed them to go out in a perpetual state of readiness, unburdened and unencumbered by any need or anything. Jesus first commissioned and sent out His 12 disciples…
Matthew 10:7-10 NKJV
“[7] And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ [8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. [9] Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, [10] nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.”
Afterwards, Jesus commissioned and sent out another batch, consisting of seventy of His disciples, with similar instructions about readiness.
Luke 10:1-6,9 NKJV
“[3] Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. [4] Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. [5] But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ [6] And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. [9] And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
After His death and resurrection, Jesus commissioned all His disciples to go everywhere and share the Good News of God’s Kingdom (righteousness, peace and joy) to all.
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV
“[18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Mark 16:15-18 NKJV
“[15] And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; [18] they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.””
Luke 24:46-47 NKJV
“[46] Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, [47] and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Jesus commissioned us to always be prepared and ready, and look for opportunities, to share and tell others that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, who died and shed His blood for us. Through Jesus, the Son of God, salvation and reconciliation with God are available to all, if they are willing to repent. We must study and know what the Gospel is, so that we can tell others, whenever the opportunity arises.
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
[Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)