Day 19 - Sunday

Day 19

 

"Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

Today we continue our study of the armor of God. We are looking at the admonition of Paul's to "put on Christ," as every attribute that the armor represents is also found in our Lord.  As we cover ourselves in the attributes of Christ, it gives us strength and covers our lives. Now we turn our attention to the "shoes of peace."

When we think of armor, we don't normally think about the shoes that are worn, but they are a very important and vital piece of the armor.  Think about the rough terrain that a soldier has to traverse in battle.  A barefooted warrior or one with poorly covered feet would be in jeopardy of being wounded, slowed down or captured.  In fact, in ancient times, the breaking or failing of a shoe was a metaphor for weakness, because the shoe was so important to the soldier's success.

A Roman soldier, who Paul models many metaphors after, would wear a shoe called a "caligae."  Caligae were heavy-soled military shoes or sandals.  They were worn by all ranks up to and including centurions.  They were constructed from leather and laced up the center of the foot and onto the top of the ankle. Additionally, iron hobnails (stud like nails) were hammered into the sole, providing the soldier with better traction and allow the caligae to be used as a weapon (inflicting damage by stamping.)

Paul says that our caligae is peace.  When we are covered in the armor of God, peace will protect our feet.  This is what will give us energy for our journey and in the battles of life.  Peace, remember, is not the absence of conflict, but trust in the presence of God in the midst of it.  These shoes will sustain us, just as the soldier in the battle relies on his shoes to protect and keep him moving.

Begin to imagine in your mind's eye, wherever you walk, no matter the situation you will encounter, you walk in the peace of God.  No terrain is too dangerous.  We do not walk alone or without support.  We walk in peace.

Prayer:  "Jesus, thank you that you cover my feet with your peace.  I do not have to be anxious about any situation that I may encounter for you are with me and give me your peace.  In your name, Amen."