email: cholt@gt.rr.com
Charles W. Holt
PUT ON YOUR SHOES
Luke 15:22 and Ephesians 6:15
Introduction: Our daily conversations are replete with expressions concerning the use of our foot or feet. We have learned to convey a whole idea or concept in this manner. For example:
1. A TENDERFOOT is a beginner, inexperienced.
2. To have COLD FEET is to back out, a coward, to change one’s mind.
3. ITCHING FEET, wanting to travel.
4. FEET ON THE GROUND is to be realistic, pragmatic, not a dreamer.
5. FOOT IN THE MOUTH, saying the wrong or inappropriate thing.
6. PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN is to be firm, strong.
7. HOT FOOT IT, do it fast, quickly.
8. FOOT THE BILL is to pay.
9. GET ON YOUR FEET means to get established, become prosperous.
10. STEP ON TOES means to talk about things of which people may be guilty, create conviction or guilt about a matter.
There are spiritual principles connected with the use of the words "foot" and "feet" and by extension the need to "put on your shoes." For example:
A brief commentary on the mighty angel whose feet were, "like pillars of fire…and he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land" found in Revelation 10:1,2, follows.
"FOOT represents the power possessed by a person; that which is under his foot is subordinated to him. This is why Joshua’s officers, for example, place their feet on the necks of five defeated kings of the Amorites (Joshua 10:24). The Ark of the Covenant is called a resting-place for the feet of God; cf., e.g., Ezk. 43:7, Psa. 99:5, 132:7. Habakkuk 3:6 speaks of Yahweh standing and measuring the earth and Zechariah 14:4 says that Yahweh’s feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives. Thus, when the angel (of Revelation) places one foot on the sea and the other on the earth (vs. 2), it indicates that all things are subjugated to him, ’sea and land’ being an Old Testament formula denoting the totality of terrestrial things. Compare Mark 6:48, Mt. 14:28-36." (Ford, REVELATION, The Anchor Bible, Vol. 38, p. 162. Doubleday & Co., Garden City, NY, 1985)
ILLUSTRATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
I. THE ISRAELITES NEEDED SHOES TO LEAVE EGYPT, Exodus 12:11
A. Egypt a type of the world and sin’s bondage.
B. Delivered by the shed blood; prepared for the journey of faith.
II. PRODIGAL NEEDED SHOES TO COMPLETE HIS RESTORATION INTO THE FAMILY, Luke 15:22
A. No shoes, no service.
III. SHOES ARE A VITAL PART OF THE CHRISTIAN’S ARMOR, Ephesians 6:15
A. To provide stability
1. "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (Ps. 37:31).
2. "And having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with firm-footed stability, the promptness and readiness produced by the good news) of the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15 Amplified Bible).
B. To triumph over enemies. (See commentary above)
1. 2 Samuel 22:29-43
2. Joshua 10:22
C. To march forward
1. "Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God" (Eph. 6:14 Living Bible).
2. "Not touchy, sensitive, easily offended, not stumbling over personal offenses" (see Psalm 119:165). Margin: "They shall have no stumbling block."
D. To be prepared unto every good work.
1. 1 Peter 3:15
2. 2 Timothy 3:16,17
Conclusion:
The Christian’s "footwear" is not only sufficient and adequate for our spiritual journey but it is durable and long lasting (consider Dt. 8:4). Remember, the Father said "put shoes on his feet." Shoes are HIS provision. Yet Paul exhorts that WE are to have out feet "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Shoes are the offer of God’s grace; putting them on is our daily response to his wonderfully sufficient provision for where we are called to walk each day.
