What did we do before hiking shoes? I'm referring to someone like me, the casual hiker, who purchased my first quality pair only a year ago. I've walked a lot of hills, rough terrain and rocky paths in my life and even in boots I still thought of my feet as vulnerable, but with the support of a good hiking shoe I'm confident of the steps that I take. From the moment that I put them on, before I even lace them, I feel secure.
The very direction of America may have changed over a good pair of boots. If you remember the opening scenes to the film Gettysburg, Confederate troops under General Henry Heth are marching towards the city of Gettysburg where they were confronted by Union cavalry under Brigadier General John Buford. The Confederates were primarily in search of shoes. Buford held his ground and the Union Army was then able to defend the high ground. Had not General Heth decided to stop off in Gettysburg the outcome of that war might have been entirely different.
Christians are on a pilgrimage and headed for Bunyan's Celestial City. It's a long path...straight...but at times rugged....and yet at other times it's a battlefield. We need firm footing! The Apostle Paul thought it important enough to include this in the Christian's armor, "...and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." The gospel is our foundation and with a sure grasp of it our feet will have a sure footing on the ground that we walk on.
If one does not understand how atonement was accomplished and how one procures salvation through faith alone...by grace alone...in Christ alone... then one walks essentially in flip flops. Paul prefaced his list with this..."Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
You have been confronted with your fate and you head straightaway to the light on the horizon but as did Bunyan's Pilgrim you may quickly sink in the muck and mire of this world. Have patience and walk slowly at first until you have been outfitted for your journey. I can think of no better outfitters than the Westminster or Heidelberg Catechisms....or if you would rather 'order' online...try ligonier.org!
The very direction of America may have changed over a good pair of boots. If you remember the opening scenes to the film Gettysburg, Confederate troops under General Henry Heth are marching towards the city of Gettysburg where they were confronted by Union cavalry under Brigadier General John Buford. The Confederates were primarily in search of shoes. Buford held his ground and the Union Army was then able to defend the high ground. Had not General Heth decided to stop off in Gettysburg the outcome of that war might have been entirely different.
Christians are on a pilgrimage and headed for Bunyan's Celestial City. It's a long path...straight...but at times rugged....and yet at other times it's a battlefield. We need firm footing! The Apostle Paul thought it important enough to include this in the Christian's armor, "...and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." The gospel is our foundation and with a sure grasp of it our feet will have a sure footing on the ground that we walk on.
If one does not understand how atonement was accomplished and how one procures salvation through faith alone...by grace alone...in Christ alone... then one walks essentially in flip flops. Paul prefaced his list with this..."Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
You have been confronted with your fate and you head straightaway to the light on the horizon but as did Bunyan's Pilgrim you may quickly sink in the muck and mire of this world. Have patience and walk slowly at first until you have been outfitted for your journey. I can think of no better outfitters than the Westminster or Heidelberg Catechisms....or if you would rather 'order' online...try ligonier.org!
