…and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

In ancient battles, the runner was an important part of the war effort. There were no walkie talkies or satellite phones. Runners carried messages and orders from one part of the battle field to another. They also brought news, whether good or bad, to the government leaders. For example, in 2 Samuel 18, David hears of the news of the death of his son Absalom through a runner.

We, as soldiers in God’s army, are also ambassadors to announce to everyone that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” Part of our armor, therefore, is to have our feet ready to run with the message that the battle has been won and God has secured the victory. There are skirmishes to be fought, but the victory has already been assured. The world needs to know this.

This same imagery is used in Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

May our feet be shod with the sanctified footwear that will carry the message of peace as part of the larger war effort.