Barefoot Or Sandals?

Scripture: Joshua 5:13-15; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Ruth 4:1-12

Theme: Shoes

How the LORD used shoes (footwear/sandals) as a symbol of authority, a way to display our consecration and as a challenge for us to deepen our Discipleship (Evangelism/Spiritual Maturity).

INTRO

Grace and peace from God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Recently, Rebekah (my wife) has had to deal with some footwear issues at work. Up until a few months ago the people that worked at Chemours could pretty much wear anything that they wanted to wear. That is, unless they were out in the manufacturing area. In that area they are required to wear some type of steel toed boots or shoes.

And for years, Rebekah has had a pair of steel toed boots near her desk while she wore all kinds of other shoes; mainly flip flops. She doesn’t like closed toed shoes and especially steel toed shoes.

However, in the last few weeks, Chemours has been signaling that some new changes are coming. One of those changes has to do with footwear. Flip flops and any other type of shoes that are open toed or do not have a closed back will soon be no longer permitted. Closed toed shoes, preferably steel toed shoes are going to become the proper wearing attire.

It is not because the company wants to be difficult. It is primarily a safety issue. With all the equipment, the stairs and the ability of someone dropping something on your feet, the company wants everyone to be as safe as possible. Their goal is to have an accident free working environment.

So, we have been shoe shopping. We have been looking for something that is both comfortable and somewhat attractive that can pass muster. This past week, Rebekah thinks that she has found a couple of pair of shoes that will do the job.

However, they are not steel toes shoes. So, in case of emergencies she still has her steel toed shoes resting comfortably near her desk ready to put on. But we do have some shoes that have backs and that are closed toed. So, we are making progress.

This morning, I want to talk to you about footwear. In particular, I would like for us to look at a few Bible passages that deal with footwear and how the LORD used footwear to teach His people how to live closer to Him.

I know it is an odd thing to think about.

How in the world can what I put on my feet help me live a better life in Christ?

Well, let’s take some time this morning and look at that very thing – footwear and our Christian Discipleship.

I. Ancient Footwear was Often a Symbol of Authority

We see that very thing being played out in a story found in the book of Ruth. It reflects back on a passage that we find in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 25. Deuteronomy 25:5 -10 deals with an issue that time and time again rose up among God’s People.

Leaving a legacy and having a heritage was very important to the Israelites. That meant that it was vital for a family to have children so they could pass down their possessions and their name.

But what do you do when a man dies and does not leave a child; especially at that time a male child? There is the real danger that the family’s heritage is forever lost.

To counter that, it was the responsibility of a man’s brothers to make sure that his name was not lost. In order for that to happen one of the man’s brothers or the nearest kinsmen would take the dead man’s wife to be his wife. He would then father a child with her and that child would not take his name but his brother’s name.

I know that seems a little strange but that is just what happened in ancient Israel. So, let’s say Bob and George are brothers. Bob has married Julie and George has married Beth. Bob and Julie have not had any children. George and Beth on the other hand have four children of their own.

One day an accident happens and Bob is killed. Because he has no male child he has no heir. If nothing is done then his name and his possession will be forever lost. His brother, George is honored bound to take his sister-in-law as his wife. Together they are to bring forth a child and that child will then take on the name of his dead brother Bob. That way, Bob’s wife is taken care of and the family name is continued.

But what do you do if Julie is ugly?

What do you do if Beth puts down her foot and says, “I am not letting that woman (Julie) in my house and you better never sleep with her if you ever want to be with me again.”?