December 21, 2011
The gift of weaponry, the boots of readiness to share the Gospel
This Advent Daily Devotional is focusing on the gifts God gives us, as uncovered in the book of Ephesians.
“I have good news and bad news… which do you want to hear first?” When faced with that question, which do you choose?
Today’s gift is the gift of good news… and that gift is strong and powerful and will defeat the enemy in your life. It’s a key piece of the full armor of God. “On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.” (Ephesians 6:15, NCV)
Like the previous two, Paul is actually quoting from the Old Testament text in describing these weapons of warfare. This is a reference from a famous passage in Isaiah: 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!” (Isaiah 52:7, NASB)
Did you know that in ancient days there were messengers who delivered news after battles of war. Some were messengers of good news. Some were messengers of bad news. [1] The commanders at the back of battle actually knew, from a distance, by who was coming, whether the news was good or bad.
Paul says “be a messenger of good news… bring peace. Bring happiness. Bring salvation.” When you enter a room, do you bring peace and blessing? Or do you add anxiety and stress into your conversations?
I’m reminded of Peter’s words “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)
Or from Paul in his letter to the Romans: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18, NASB)
Avoid conflict. Be at peace. Don’t major in the minor stuff. Be quick to forgive. Be a messenger of peace. Will your boots get muddy sometimes? Yes, most certainly. Jesus was born in a dirty cave. He came to get messy because our lives are messy. But we can still bring peace even with mud on our boots… especially with mud on our boots.
Peacefulness. It’s a joyous gift to give and receive this Advent.
Father God, help me to be one who brings peace into a room, not anxiety or bad news about others. Make me a messenger of Your perfect peace and Your good news. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2011. Rich Ronald
RichRonald.com 