City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“…and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” 

Ephesians 6:15 (NKJV)

“…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,…”

1 Peter 3:15b

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”

Matthew 28:19-20a (NIV)

Reflection

It’s hard to imagine a world without Facebook, Twitter, and online news. Even our phones alert us to whatever’s going on. In the first century Roman world, journalism was spread on foot. Many of the new believers in Ephesus had heard of Mercury (Hermes in Greek), he was believed to be a messenger deity who could fly with winged gold sandals. Paul might have had him in mind when writing his letter so his recipients who would better understand his message.

Gospel sandals are the “preparation of the gospel of peace.” It is being ready to tell others of the hope you have in you and being ready to go where the Lord tells you to go. Many people might be curious as to why you have hope in a seemingly hopeless world, and are hungry for true peace, not just temporary comfort. And there are too many people who have never heard of Jesus because they don’t have access to the Bible in their language. We are at war, but the message we bring is of peace.  

Application

In most Nike shoe commercials, the athlete would lace them up, shoot baskets, kick the ball, become short of breath, get right back up, run quickly, and at the end they win the game (it’s really motivating)! Our goal is the salvation of God’s children, and it will require a lot of perseverance. Prepare your testimony, maybe practice in front of a mirror. Save up for a mission trip. Witness to your co-worker who seems to have run out of hope. Just like there are many ways to be an athlete, there are many ways to be a messenger of peace. Lace up, go and persevere!

Prayer

Dearest Jesus, thank You for making me into a messenger of peace. Please lead me where You want me to go and to have the right words to say when telling others about You. In Your Name I pray, amen.