The Greatest GiftsSample

THE GIFT OF WEAPONRY, THE BOOTS OF READINESS TO SHARE THE GOSPEL

“I have good news and bad news; which do you want to hear first?” When faced with that question, which do you choose?

Today’s gift is the gift of good news, and that gift is strong and powerful and will defeat the enemy in your life. It’s a key piece of the full armor of God.

“On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.” (Ephesians 6:15, NCV).

Like the previous two pieces of armor, Paul is actually quoting from the Old Testament text in describing these weapons of warfare. This is a reference from a famous passage in Isaiah:

“How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7, NASB).

Did you know that in ancient days, messengers delivered the news after battles of war? Some were messengers of good news. Some were messengers of bad news. From a distance, the commanders at the back of battle knew who was coming and by what they were wearing, whether the news was good or bad.

Paul essentially says to be a messenger of good news. Bring peace. Bring happiness. Bring salvation. When you enter a room, do you bring peace and blessing? Or do you add anxiety and stress to your conversations? I’m reminded of Peter’s words,

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).

Or from Paul in his letter to the Romans:

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18, NASB).

Deal quickly with conflict. Be at peace. Don’t major in the minor stuff. Forgive promptly. Be a messenger of peace. Will those "good news" boots get muddy sometimes? Yes, most certainly. It's not always easy to be the calm one in the midst of a storm. Jesus understands. He was born in a dirty cave. He came into a messy, smelly world. He knows our lives can be chaotic and full of angst and strife. Yet, we can still bring peace, even with mud on our boots. Especially with mud on our boots. When we've been through the muck and the mire and the struggles and are now on the other side, that's when we can have the greatest impact.

Good news and peacefulness. Joyous gifts to give and receive this Christmas!

PRAYER

Father God, help me bring peace into a room, not anxiety or bad news about others. Make me a messenger of Your perfect peace and Your good news. In Jesus’ name. Amen.