The Whole Armor of Godਨਮੂਨਾ

The Shoes of the Gospel

The boots or shoes that the Roman soldiers wore were a type of half-boot—a heavy-duty sandal made of leather; the soles were ¾ to 1 inch thick, studded with metal hobnails, which prevented slipping. There were leather straps that tied around the ankles and up the shins, providing protection and support. These shoes allowed them to dig into the soil, enabling them to stand against the enemy in all kinds of weather.

The New American Standard Bible translates this phrase: “having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Shod with readiness…preparedness. He means that we need to be prepared, firm, and ready to advance the message of peace that comes from the Gospel, no matter what season!

Isaiah 52:7 ESV

How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Spreading the message of peace is powerful in the context of war. We disarm our adversary, his lies, and his opponents with the love and power of the gospel. How? When we believe it, live it, and share it bravely, faithfully, boldly, regularly.

The Shield of Faith

The Roman soldier’s shield is huge. It is roughly the size of our refrigerator door and weighs twenty-two pounds! When hundreds of arrows came flying at the soldiers, they raised their shields and hid safely behind them. Multiple arrows would hit a warrior’s shield, and the shield would block them.

The shape of the shield, called a scutum, was curved. It allowed tightly packed formations of legionaries to stand side by side and overlap their shields beside and above one another, providing a shell barrier like that of a turtle!

Faith is the believer’s shield, Paul says, against "all circumstances" and "all flaming darts." Faith is essential and overarching in all. Without it, we cannot withstand, nor please God.“This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 Jn. 5:4 ESV). There is no moment of the day or night that the shield of faith is not required.

How is your faith?

Ask the Lord to give you eyes to see if your faith, hope, trust, or belief is in anything other than Jesus and the gospel. Ask God to probe your heart like David asked in Psalm 139.

Where do you place your faith?