The Shoes of Readiness
The whole phrase is ‘and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace’. Shoes cover the feet, and the feet us what we use both to move and to stand upright. If the enemy can stop either, then they have stopped our effectiveness. And that leads to fear, which shakes our faith and peace. Paul mentions peace as one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. Although we say ‘fruits’, Paul uses it in the singular. So if ‘peace’ is one aspect, and if it is shaken then the whole fruit is damaged which leads to decay and rot. So we need to protect that fruit-all aspects of it.
The other reason for the ‘shoes of readiness’ very much has to do with the command of Christ right before His ascension. He told the disciples-and by extension us-to ‘…go and make disciples…’ So how do we do THAT? By sitting around and waiting for them to come to us? No. Jesus said to ‘go’. And ‘go’ is an action verb that means to move. So we put on our shoes, ready to move and do what the Lord has told us to do. And with those shoes we put on the peace that COMES from the Spirit, safe in the knowledge that He is with us…even to the end of the world.
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:15
Galatians 5:22
Matthew 28:19-2
Romans 10:14-15
Prayer: Grant me peace and a spirit of readiness, Lord Jesus. Help me to be ready at a moments notice to go and witness, observing ALL of the things You have taught me, and sharing the good news of Your salvation to everyone I meet!