Nougat 14

So good morning

Do you know how back in the day they said the lowest rank of soldiers were the foot soldiers? They had no horses and had the seemingly trivial tasks to perform, which included being the lookout. As the sentry (aka lookout), they were watching for danger and would courier the news either alone or by stages (hence relay) to the decision makers. In some places they would have been stationed at a watchtower or the highest navigable point on the hill or mountain, as this offered a bird’s eye view. Today’s Holy Nougat is not so much about the seasoned warrior, as it speaks to the good ole foot soldier, the lookout or the sentry.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces shalom, who brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” Isaiah‬ ‭52:7‬ ‭TLV‬‬

You see my dears, whereas the seasoned warrior wears good shoes from her/his own experience, the sentry wears good shoes for expediency. Running along mountains, ravines etc is NOT easy in the wrong shoes. Nor is it comfortable! Being shod with the Preparation of the Good News of Peace is as important for the foot soldier as it is therefore for the seasoned warrior.

Both require fittings to ensure comfort and durability. They also would have to be broken in a bit to increase efficiency for the soldier who wears them. And the only way for that to happen is for them to be worn, perhaps for short distances or in maneuvers.

So it is for us also my dears. We also NEED proper protection for our feet; whether New in the Faith, Lukewarm or Old. And the only way to be sure those shoes work … we gotta wear them! Of course, a metaphor and analogy can go only so far, because ALL OF US (yup; every single solitary or grouped one of us) is called to Share the Good News that undergirds our Faith. Despite the battle royal; Our God Reigns. It truly is a message of Peace (remember; Jesus IS the Prince of Peace)

To Whom is the message shared

• Ourselves

• Fellow warriors

• Family

• Friends

• Colleagues

• Acquaintances and even our

• Foes

Because whether it’s enemy or friendly fire; the Fact of God’s reign of Shalom is Good News – at least to those who would believe.

In good times or bad, during maneuvers or in the heat of the battle; let us ensure that we are properly shod – in readiness, with the Gospel of Peace.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .