‘And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace’ (Ephesians 2:15).

The gospel is the 'gospel of peace' because it brings to the human heart the conviction that, in spite of all else, God is at peace with us. He holds no grudge; he bears no ill-will; he remembers not our petulance, or our mistakes; he does not condemn us. This joyous news is warranted to us by Christ who bore away our offence on the cross, and who is himself our peace. The peace of the gospel is primarily the peace of God's loving disposition toward us.

Looking at the soldier who guarded him in prison, Paul saw his foot-wear and thought of "gospel shoes." He was doubtless prompted also by Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news; who proclaim peace.”

May the peace of God furnish me with readiness.