Women of the Bible Lesson 6 Jael: A Story of Courage Part 4 Armor of God

Today we will continue talking about the armor we have been provided through the Holy Spirit to protect us in our spiritual battles. 

Ephesians 6:14-18 gives us a list of the armor we have been provided by through the Holy Spirit. “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. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (NLT) 

Today we are going to look at the Shoes of Peace.  The purpose of the Roman soldier’s shoe was multifaceted.  First, it needed to be comfortable. Second, it needed to provide protection from blisters and trench foot, and it also provided protection from rough terrain.   

"The caligae were open-toed sandals that enveloped the foot and ankle, with straps that covered the instep and lower leg. Soldiers wore metal shin guard armor on top of the laced part of their sandals for protection of the legs. 

The soles were made of three layers of durable leather bound together with iron nails. While the bottom layer was rugged, the inner layer was soft. 

This construction prevented blistering and trench foot while guarding the soldier from rough terrain. Foot integrity was critical for the army's ability to travel and fight. 

Unlike the basic footwear of earlier civilizations, the ancient Romans cut theirs to account for the differences between the left and right feet. This customization added to their functionality and comfort.”i  

Sutors, shoemakers, often traveled with the Roman army to provide needed shoe repair or new shoes on the go.  “Sutors studded the soles of military sandals with metal spikes. They provided extra traction for mountainous or uneven treks. The spikes also had a combat application. A typical Roman legion marched ten men deep. As it advanced during battle, the spikes allowed soldiers to stomp their fallen foes. This ensured the enemy would not get up to continue the fight and attack the advancing Romans from behind. 

The spikes also made a distinct sound as a legion, which consisted of more than 1,000 men, approached. The clacking acted as an early type of psychological warfare for approaching Roman armies.” ii 

“The Caligae were perfect for summer combat and high temperatures when the foot skin was not fully covered and could breathe. The solid sole guaranteed the stability and durability of the footwear, and the lightness of the workmanship did not burden the legs. 

In colder climates (e.g. Britain), the socks were also worn (woolen or linen fabrics) to protect it from the cold.iii 

To begin, I want to make a few observations about peace.   

Observation One: Peace is not based on our circumstances; it is based on who we know God is and who we know we are in Him!  Proverbs 18:10, The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. (KJV) Psalm 4:8, In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (ESV)  

Observation Two: For the true disciple of Christ, walking in peace can and should be a daily reality. Isaiah 26:3, You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (ESV) 

Observation Three: If walking in peace were not possible for the follower of Christ, Jesus would not have told us that in Him we may have peace. John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)  

Observation Four: Peace is our choice. Two words in John 16:33 stand out to me: “may have”.  Websters online dictionary says may is used to indicate possibility or probability. So here we must conclude that since God’s choice for us is always the best choice, and peace is the best way to live, then the “may have” must be contingent on our choice. Colossians 3:15, And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (NLT) We must choose to let the peace of God rule our hearts.  

Just as the shoes of the Roman soldier served many purposes, I believe our Shoes of Peace serve multiple purposes as well.  It is into these purposes that we will now look. 

First, having our feet shod with peace allows us to stand with firm-footed stability against the enemy. Ephesians 6:15a, And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability. (AMP) 

When faced with a trial or attack, we must consistently put our faith and trust in Christ to see us through, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. We cannot allow ourselves to flounder between faith (peace) and doubt or unbelief (fear, anxiety, worry).  James 1:8, A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV) Our stability in the battles depends on our unwavering faith that allows us to walk in peace.  

When we are under attack or trial, the enemy is thrown off his game as we continue to walk in peace.  We know the only power he has over our lives is the power that we give him through fear and unbelief.  When we walk in peace, we allow him no power in our life.  

Secondly, wearing our shoes of peace allows us to be carriers of peace to others. Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (NIV) Romans 12:18, If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (ESV) 

In His commentary, Matthew Henry says, “The peace-makers are happy, Matt. 5:9. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, and then peaceable; the blessed ones are pure toward God, and peaceable toward men; for with reference to both, conscience must be kept void of offence.”  He goes on to say, “Such persons are blessed; for they have the satisfaction of enjoying themselves, by keeping the peace, and of being truly serviceable to others, by disposing them to peace. They are working together with Christ, who came into the world to slay all enmities, and to proclaim peace on earth.” 

Finally, walking in peace prepares us to share the good news with others. Ephesians 6:15b, the promptness, and the readiness [produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. (AMP) Yesterday at church our worship pastor preached.  He said that our trials and struggles might not be just for our spiritual growth but for that of others as well.  I agree!  When we go through situations with calm assurance of God’s constant watch-care, allowing His peace to flood our hearts and minds, others see it.   

When someone who does not walk in peace watches us traverse hard times with peace, this opens the door for Holy Spirit to begin speaking to their hearts.  It often leads them to ask the questions like, “How can you be so calm?” or “How are you able to be so peaceful during this time?” This is our opportunity to share the good news with them.   

In closing I want to share one last, amazing truth: sowing seeds of peace in the lives of others allows us to reap a harvest of peace in our own life. Galatians 6:7-8, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (NIV) 

Let us put on our Shoes of Peace and tighten the laces.  In this world we will have trouble, but we will be of good cheer because Christ has overcome the world!!!! Let’s get sowing, it’s harvest time!!! 

Works Cited: 

i https://www.unrv.com/culture/roman-sandals.php 

ii https://www.unrv.com/culture/roman-sandals.php 

iii https://imperiumromanum.pl/en/roman-army/equipment-of-roman-legionary/caligae/