In the midst of summer activity planning, children’s leaders decided to use the Armor of God (Eph 6) as our theme. Starting with the Belt of Truth (or Dare) our Wacky Wednesdays will be a lot of fun! Each week has a different leader and they began to take topics. Susan suggested someone use Shoes of Peace. Which I did not recall in the armor…

“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (6:15)

Of course Paul pulls from the OT for the pieces of this armor (Isaiah 59:17 — notice Paul takes some clothes to goodwill: “garments of vengeance” and “cloak of zeal”). But for the feet Paul pulls from earlier in Isaiah:

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace…” (52:7)

I am not sure anyone’s feet are beautiful – toes are kind of funky (not to mention smelly). All the more so when you consider the dirty sandaled feet of the Bible. But this beauty is not physical. It comes from the pounding sound as these feet race to proclaim peace! Which is what the good news, the gospel, declares: peace with God, peace with each other, peace with creation.

Jesus untied the burden of Genesis: the shirked duty to care for creation, the violence of Cain and Abel, the division of Babel… He did this not by force, but by bowing and washing feet. He laced up the shoes of peace.

Our world is anything but peaceful. I hurt with the people of Ukraine and Buffalo. I pray against destructive nationalism and racism. But I realize my calling is more than feelings. More even than prayer (though that is essential). I must be ready to act out the gospel of peace. I must lace up the shoes… and run the race to make peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matt 5:9)

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This Sunday we continue our theme, Showers —->> Flowers. Out of difficulty God brings new life. I hope you will consider join us at Chandler at 10:30 (in person or streaming live). This week we will consider James 1:22, Philippians 2:5-8 — putting humility into action.