This week, I began reading “Prayers for Victory in Your Marriage,” by Tony Evans. He has specific prayers to pray over different areas of our marriages. I daresay this is the meatiest, most educational introduction to a book I have EVER read! Yes, you read that correctly! I haven’t even made it to the prayers, yet, and what I am reading in the introduction is life-changing! He is speaking about marriage being a battle ground with the enemy of our souls, and in that discussion, He explains each piece of spiritual armor that we are to wear as we walk through this life, as believers. His explanation of each piece is opening my eyes to our “armor” in deep, meaningful ways that I’ve never considered.
The one that got my attention the most, though, was the shoes! Ephesians 6:15 says, “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Ok, we’ve all read that verse many times…but I suppose I’d never looked any further to understand this word picture.
According to Wikipedia, Caligae (Latin; singular caliga) are heavy-soled hobnailed military boots known for being issued to Roman legionary soldiers and auxiliaries throughout the Roman Republic and Empire.
Tony explains that these shoes were made with nails called “hobnails” that were placed in the sole of the shoe. This allowed for increased durability and stability. Resembling today’s sports cleats, these nails also allowed the warriors more traction in battle.
Wow! When we are shod with the peace that comes from the Good news, WE have traction for battle! We are prepared for the ammunition from the enemy! Much like an episode of American Ninja Warrior, we can stand firm when things are flying at our heads, and we don’t get knocked down from where we are standing! The shoes of peace give us stability to resist the enemy of our souls!
Wikipedia finishes its explanation of “caligae” with this foreshadowing statement…”Worn by all ranks up to and including centurions, no other shoes in history are as symbolic of the expansion of an empire as the famed caligae.”
The caligae ain’t got nothin’ on the shoes of Peace to be worn by believers! When we wear our “peace shoes,” we are prepared for battle, too! Peace is desperately needed in this crazy world of ours, and if all believers wear their shoes, we will be world-changing “Empire expanders,” indeed!
When the “hobnails” of our “peace shoes” are dug deep into the Rock of our Salvation, no circumstance, weapon, or wind will prevail against us! We can be in harmony with Jesus, when He speaks to the howling winds in our souls…”Peace! Be still!”