THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10)

Devotion 7 of 15

FEET SHOD WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL

The stance of the believer is to be one of resistance: "Stand, therefore," or "stand firm." The idea is that of resisting assault, the aggressiveness of the powers of darkness against which we wrestle. It involves withstanding the devil's schemes and strategies. Let it be clear, the "whole armor of God" has no utility if the individual is not resisting the encroachments of the wicked one. It cannot protect the person who is not standing against the assaults of principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (6:12).

It will become increasingly evident as we review "the whole armor of God" that the Spirit does not approach the good fight of faith casually. In fact, it is regarded with the utmost sobriety. This is a passage that is rarely presented, unless it is in an academic, and somewhat less-than-urgent context. However, if you will give heed to what the Spirit is saying, a sense of urgency and priority will be very evident to you.

This brings us to the consideration of the feet of the soldier–and remember, we have been called to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim 2:3).

"Stand therefore, having . . . your feet shod WITH THE PREPARATION of the gospel of peace."--KJV " . . . As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace."--NRSV " . . . and with your feet fitted WITH THE READINESS that comes from the gospel of peace."--NIV " . . . Be ready with the good news of peace as shoes on your feet."--BBE " . . . For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared."--NLT " . . . wearing for shoes on your feet the eagerness to spread the gospel of peace."–NJB " . . . And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, THE PROMPTNESS AND READINESS produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace."--Amplified New Testament (Ephesians 6:15)

Although some more liberal translations leave the impression that carrying the Gospel to others is the emphasis here, that is not the point at all. This has to do with "standing," not going with the Gospel, or carrying that blessed message. That solemn activity is addressed elsewhere, but it is not the theme of this passage.

To have feet "shod" is have shoes that will contribute to a solid and immovable stance. They are military shoes that are fitted to our feet, and lend themselves to stability. The shoes of the Roman soldier, we are told, had spikes on the bottom that gripped the terrain, allowing for an unwavering stance when assaulted. While this may very well have been the kind of shoes intended in this exhortation, it seems more likely they are the type of shoes mentioned in Deuteronomy 33:25, which have a crushing ability. "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Such provision no doubt brings the dexterity described by the prophet Habakkuk. "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He enables me to go on the heights" (3:19, NIV).

And what is it that so prepares our feet for battle? What "preparation" or "readiness" gives us the ability to hold our ground, stamp on the foe, and move about with dexterity in treacherous terrain?

This is the preparedness, or readiness, that comes from the embrace of the Gospel of peace. In other words, it is possessing the peace that is announced by the Gospel. In this text, the Spirit is not speaking of the Gospel we preach, bringing peace within the reach of others, as in Romans 10:15. Rather, this is the tranquility of soul that comes to the soldier from believing that Gospel.

The person who stands "against the wiles of the devil," has to be aware he has "peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 5:1). If the soldier is not convinced of this, the enemy will make inroads to the soul, bringing fear, despair, and discouragement. This peace is the persuasion of reconciliation to God (Rom 5:10; Col 1:21). It is when the soldier is "filled with all joy and peace in believing" (Rom 15:13), enabling him to hold his ground and not be moved by the adversary.

This is the kind of peace that can "rule" your heart. As it is written, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Col 3:15). This is a peace to which we have been called, and which is intended for us. It is the peace that surpasses human understanding, yet will "keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7). You cannot stand against the wiles of the devil without this conciliating peace. It is like a set of military shoes that will keep you stable, enable you to navigate on hazardous military terrain, and give you strength to tread upon your adversaries.

This is not a mere peaceful attitude, or a calm and reposed manner of conduct. Such peace will not "shod" our feet. It lies too close to the surface, and does not go deep enough into the human spirit. Men who do not believe the Gospel can have a peaceful manner about them, but that will have no effect upon the devil or the powers of darkness.

If you do not possess this deep and abiding peace, then listen to the Gospel again. Embrace it anew by faith, and you will experience the peace that prepares your feet for battle.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for the peace that comes from believing the Gospel of Your Son. I praise You for the stability it brings in the midst of the battle. In the name of Christ, enable me to experience this peace every day in larger measures.

– Tomorrow: THE SHIELD OF FAITH --