Messengers of the GospelSýnishorn

The Gospel of Peace

Recently, I was consulted to place an IV for Jasmine's husband, Rich, who was in the ICU. During my time with them, I noticed that Jasmine was very anxious. I recommended to Jasmine that we could pray together for her and her husband, which we did. After the prayer, she asked me a question.

"How do you have so much joy and peace like you talked about in the prayer?"

We then found a quiet waiting room and talked through the gospel for the next hour. I asked her if she wanted to make the decision to surrender her life to Jesus now, or if she wanted some time to think about it.

She simply said, "I'm ready."

Then, in her own words, she gave everything over to Christ that she was holding in her heart. She wholeheartedly surrendered to Jesus on that day. What an amazing moment!

Thank you, Jesus!

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:14-15)

In Ephesians 6, Paul encourages us to put on the full armor of God, including attending to our feet. If you were to go armor shopping at your local Roman army surplus store, you might not think to include shoes in your purchase. Does it really matter what kind of shoes you have for battle?

Roman soldiers wore sturdy, half-boot-type sandals called caligae so that they could confidently advance toward the enemy without worrying about what they might step on along the way. Paul included these shoes in his list of necessary armor because they were essential to a victorious battle. A soldier could not focus on the battle ahead if he were always worried about what was under his feet.

Paul then links the reference to a warrior’s feet with a well-known verse from Isaiah about messengers of the gospel.

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation,

who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7)

The gospel is good news, but in order for it to sound like good news to others when you share it, it must first be experienced as good news in your own life. If you have forgotten how good the news is, you will sound like someone sharing old news, or maybe even bad news.

So, how are the shoes of your faith? Are you anchored in the Lord in such a way that you experience His peace and joy each day? Does the peace of the Lord allow you to confidently focus on what He has placed in front of you each day, or do you often find yourself anxious and distracted?

Peace and joy are not dependent on circumstances.

They are much deeper than momentary happiness or calm.

Peace and joy are anchored in what God has done for you through Jesus Christ.

They are developed in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit as we abide in the presence of the Lord each day.

Reflection:

What spiritual practices help you experience the gospel of peace each day so you are well prepared to bring that peace to others?

Is there someone on your prayer list who needs to experience the peace of the Lord through you?