226. Heavenly Shoes.

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. - Ephesians 6:15.

CHRISTIANS are meant to be steadfast, active, moving, progressing, ascending; hence, their feet are carefully provided for.

They are feeble in themselves and need protection. Their road also is rough, and hence they need the shoes which grace provides.

I. LET US EXAMINE THE SHOES.

1. They come from a blessed maker, one who is skillful in all arts and knows by experience what is wanted, since he has himself journeyed through life's roughest ways.

2. They are made of excellent material: "the preparation of the gospel of peace;" well-seasoned, soft in wear, lasting long.

· Peace with God as to the past, the future, the present.

· Peace of full submission to the divine mind and will.

· Peace with the word and all its teachings.

· Peace with one's inner self, conscience, tears, desires.

· Peace with brethren in the church and the family.

· Peace with all mankind: "As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom. 12:18).

3. They are such as none can make except the Lord, who both sends the gospel and prepares the peace.

4. They are such shoes as Jesus wore and all the saints.

5. They are such as will never wear out. They are old, yet ever new. We may wear them at all ages and in all places.

II. LET US TRY THEM ON. Observe with delight—

l. Their perfect fitness. They are made to suit each one of us.

2. Their excellent foothold. We can tread with holy boldness upon our high places with these shoes.

3. Their marching powers for daily duty. No one grows weary or footsore when he is thus shod.

4. Their wonderful protection against trials by the way. "Thou shalt tread on the lion and adder" (Ps. 91:13).

5. Their pleasantness of wear, giving rest to the whole man.

6. Their adaptation for hard work, climbing, and ploughing.

7. Their endurance of fire and water (Isa. 43:2). By peace of mind, we learn to pass through every form of trial.

8. Their fighting qualities. They are really a part of "the whole armour of God." (See the chapter in which the text is found.)

III. LET US LOOK AT THE BAREFOOTED AROUND US.

· The sinner is unshod, yet he kicks against the pricks. How can he hope to fulfill the heavenly pilgrimage?

· The professor is slipshod or else he wears tight shoes. His fine slippers will soon be worn out. He loves not the gospel, knows not its peace, seeks not its preparation.

The gospel alone supplies a fit shoe for all feet.

To the gospel, let us fly at once. Come, poor shoeless beggar!