Shoes (Part 2)

Yesterday, I spoke of the significance of shoes in the Bible. There were still a couple more I wanted to address. They are on opposite ends of their meaning. The first was one of a servant’s heart. Jesus, when he saw John the Baptist, asked John to baptize him. John basically said that it was Jesus that should be doing the baptizing. John makes this even more clear when he says that he (John) wasn’t worthy to even untie Jesus’ sandals. There was a clear recognition of who Jesus was and understanding of how we compare. John basically said that he wasn’t even worthy to do the most basic servant's job when it came to Jesus. Do we have that same understanding today? Do we see Jesus as an equal or a friend instead of recognizing that He is God? By faith, and through the grace of God, we have certain privileges, but they are given by God and not ours for convenience. When we pray, we are to pray with confidence, for with God all things are possible. However, when we start to assume that God owes us or that if He doesn’t answer our prayer as we wish that He is being unfair, our relationship is out of step with Him. Our relationship is not for our benefit, although through faith we are promised eternity. Our relationship is to serve our God and bring Him glory. Everything else is icing on the cake. The other account of sandals is found in Ephesians chapter 6. As it speaks of putting on the armor of God, it says, “with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”. It fits in with the Great Commission to go into all the world and make disciples. An army that is barefoot going across a rough terrain will be slowed down. To have the feet fitted with readiness is to be able to travel wherever we are called to go. I think sometimes our churches can feel too comfortable that they forget that we are called to take the Gospel (good news of Jesus) to all people. Sometimes, it is not comfortable, but part of the full armor of God is being able bring hope to all people. If our concept of living our faith is just going to church on Sunday, then we truly are not prepared. Whether in prisons, homeless shelters, rich, substance abusers, we must go! Father, prepare us to go wherever You are calling us to be. Even if it is outside our comfort zone, use us for Your glory. Amen