Ephesians 6:16 "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."
The next piece of armor tells us that we need to be ready (for our battles), and this readiness is what we receive when we delve into the Word - the Gospel. This is why it is important for us to memorize scripture. These passages can be called to mind when we are facing a battle. It is what Jesus did in the wilderness when tempted by Satan - He would give an answer to Satan by quoting Scripture.
Here is what Matthew Henry's online commentary says about this verse: "Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of hte military armor. The use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were won't to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy."
From the Believer's Bible Commentary by William MacDonald (pg. 1952), we read: "This suggests a readiness to go out with the good news or peace, and therefore an invasion into enemy territory. When we relsax in our tents, we are in deadly peril. Our safety is to be found in following the beautiful feet of the Saviour on the mountains, bearing glad tidings and publishing peace (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15)."
So, as in all of our battles, being ready and being prepared to fight is a must. I encourage each and every person to get into the Word, to study it, meditate on it and memorize it. The Word is Truth, the Word is from God, The Word is Jesus, and He is a mighty strong weapon when used in battle against the enemy.
May the grace of God rest upon you. May His peace fill your life, and may He bless you abundantly as you pursue Him through His Word.
3 comments:
Hi Shelley, what a blessing to read your post. It is full of truths that we need to constantly review so that our walk with the Lord may be fruitfull. Thank you for taking the time to post this! I need to memorize more scripture...I start and then get sidetracked. God Bless you Shelley!
Thank you for these great posts and the commentaries within them! Thanks for visiting my blog - I know we will visit each other's often! :)
I appreciate your learning and insights about these familiar passages. With regard to the feet being shod with the gospel of peace, I have been thinking about
how important it is to remember that when evangelism. It isn't the attitude: I'm gonna march in and change them (the unsaved). But rather, "I will walk in peace and , and with respect, invited and mannerly, grateful for the opportunity to share the Lord's goodness with them." Humble, ready, grateful feet supporting the whole body with peace.
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