Isaiah 52
Put on Good Shoes for the Journey!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Thursday, February 22.
Years ago, during a long multi-day backcountry hike on the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains, the tread on my right hiking boot broke off. My hiking boots were old and high mileage, but I never would have imagined that I would lose my sole on the Appalachian Trail. When it started to rain, and the trail became very slick, like walking through a stream, I started to slip and fall, causing me to become frustrated and fatigued as I walked. I learned my lesson: put on a good pair of shoes before you start a journey!
When Paul taught Christians “how to stand firm against the schemes of the devil,” he commanded, “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11-17). This included a good pair of shoes, as described in Ephesians 6:15, “shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Just like I had lost my sole on the Appalachian Trail, you don’t want to lose your soul during the long arduous journey of life because you are not stable on your feet. Walk securely in your knowledge of Jesus and His gospel, allowing Him to stabilize you through storms and difficulties. This image was not new to Paul; it came from Isaiah 52:7-10:
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!” Listen! … The Lord has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God.
God bless you!
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YOUTUBE:
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