The Shoes of Readiness: The Gospel of Peace

 Prepared to publicly proclaim

The soldier’s footwear signaled stability and mobility. Believers are ready to move with the message.

• “Stand… with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)

• “Always be prepared to give an answer… for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)

• “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” (Romans 10:15; Isaiah 52:7)

• Jesus sends His followers: “Go and make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

Readiness begins with willingness. Public proclamation is part of faithful discipleship.

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John 3 explained clearly

The gospel of peace rests on the truths Jesus taught Nicodemus.

• New birth: “You must be born again.” (John 3:3, 7)

• Spiritual transformation: “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:6)

• God’s love and initiative: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” (John 3:16)

• Human response: “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (v.16)

• No condemnation for the believing: “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned.” (v.18)

• Judgment for rejecting the light: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light.” (v.19)

Being ready includes the ability to articulate these essentials simply and clearly.

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Peace with God before peace with people

Reconciliation with God is the foundation for reconciliation with others.

• “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

• Christ Himself “is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:14)

• Jesus restores relationship with God first: “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

• Peace with others flows from this restored vertical relationship:

  • “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

  • “Make every effort to do what leads to peace.” (Romans 14:19)

Horizontal peace is fragile when vertical peace is missing. Readiness starts with reconciliation through Christ.

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Readiness as a daily posture

Readiness is not occasional. It is a stance.

• “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35)

• “Preach the word… be ready in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

• “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15)

• The early church lived in daily readiness: “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

Readiness is daily availability to God’s mission, God’s timing, and God’s people.