September 17

“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

Most of the armour God provides us with in our battle against spiritual forces of evil is defensive, and the position we are to take is to stand. But the Apostle Paul also talks about feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Standing is a defensive posture and that is important because the difference between the warfare waged by Jesus Christ and the warfare waged by us as believers in Him is that Christ’s battle was offensive. He conquered the spiritual forces of evil on earth and in the heavenly realms, and He did it by the cross. Consequently, the role we play is defensive and the armour we have, such as the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness, are to enable us to maintain and consolidate the victory which Christ has already gained over sin, Satan and death.

When Paul talks about “feet fitted with readiness”, this readiness suggests mobility and action. He almost certainly had in mind the passage in Isaiah 52:7, which says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation…” That’s an intriguing statement. Why the feet? Why not the mouth or the personality or the energy of a person? 

The first part of our anatomy God requires in active service and obedience to Jesus Christ is our feet. We may be willing to give our mouths, but that won’t be effective if we’re in the wrong place. It is our feet that have put us in the right place to proclaim the gospel, and there are two ways we can do that; with our feet going or standing. The word ‘go’ is frequently used by God in dealing with His people. To Abraham, He said, “Go to the land I will show you.” To Moses, “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh.” To Gideon, “Go in the strength you have.” To Ezekiel, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel.” Jesus said to His disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”  If we are called by God, in obedience to Him, we go.

With feet that stand means being rooted in Christ wherever He has placed us, and with eyes open to opportunities to witness for Him. Confined to a Roman prison, Paul says, “I am put here for the defense of the gospel” (Philippians 1:16). Whether at home or in mission fields, whether put or sent, it is in our willingness to go where God wants us, we further the mandate of Jesus Christ to reach the world with the gospel.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, give me feet ready to go wherever You send me, and grant me a willing heart that hears your voice. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: In my service to Christ, am I willing to go where God sends me?