Gospel of peace

Having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

The Roman soldiers wore sandals that had thick leather and studs for grip. The thick leather would give protection against sharp sticks that would be meant to injure the soldier. This would be an offensive as well as a defensive piece of armor.

When the prodigal son came home the father immediately put sandals on his feet. Slaves didn't have sandals or shoes.

The emphasis is on the word preparation. Readiness.

Isaiah 52:7

Didn't Abraham "walk the land" to claim it? We have to do the same-we have to "take the land" that God has for us.

2 Samuel 18:26

Peace is important in warfare, the enemy wants to steal our peace. There is a place for righteous anger, and it shouldn't be directed against flesh and blood but against the enemy. We shouldn't deny or repress our anger. Be angry and sin not! So we can be angry but shouldn't sin, we shouldn't let anger take root, we shouldn't let the sun go down on our wrath (Eph 4:26).

We can be protected by being prepared with the gospel of peace.

Photo of Roman Sandal.

More Roman Armour.

Three times in the passage the word stand is used. This could mean maturity in Christ, standing against the enemy's lies. Then we will be abiding and conquering.

There is a hymn Standing on the promises. (Written by R. Kelso Carter).