Charles W. Holt
cholt@gt.rr.com
STAND ON YOUR FEET
Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 especially verse 15
Text: Revelation 10:1-2
I have chosen a passage of Scripture found in the Book of Revelation 10:1-2 as a text for today’s message. But a key verse is also found in Ephesians 6:15.
I know, as you do, that the book of Revelation is a book of mystery and symbolism. For this reason it is not the first choice for some when it is time to choose a favorite place to read from the Bible.
In the midst of the many mysterious pictures of beasts, horses, trumpets, and vials pouring out death and destruction there is one picture I want us to focus on because of a powerful truth it presents. It is a simple picture containing images that are familiar to us.
From the New King James Version we read: “I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.” And the verse continues. But we are not at this time interested in what follows.
From these verses I want to point out three things. There is (1) a mighty angel whose (2) feet are like pillars of fire. (3) He places his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. For my purpose today the emphasis is upon (1) the angel’s feet and (2) where he places his feet. Why is this important?
Let me explain at the beginning—and this is important—that “foot” or “feet” represents the power possessed by a person; that which is under his foot is subordinated (in submission, under authority) to him. Therefore, when the angel places one foot on the sea and the other on the earth, (vs. 2) it indicates that all things are subjugated to him. The term “sea and land” is a Biblical formula indicating or symbolizing God’s total authority, dominion, and control over everything that is earthly. (Ford, Revelation, Vol. 38, p. 162, The Anchor Bible, Doubleday & Co., Garden City, NY, 1985)
It is stunning symbolism that has personal spiritual applications for our “sea and land” circumstances and situations.
Let me illustrate.
1. When Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the promised land of Canaan they faced hoards of hostile people. They had battles to fight. Enemies to subdue. In Joshua 10 we read of such an encounter. It was during this battle that one of the most famous events took place. It was here that Joshua commanded the sun to stand still. But our attention is focused upon the five kings who had formed an alliance against Joshua and his army. Their combined forces were defeated but the five kings had fled into a cave to escape detection. But their hiding place was discovered. The Bible says, “But these five kings had fled and hidden themselves in a cave at Makkedah. And it was told Joshua, saying, ‘The five kings have been found hidden the cave at Makkedah. So Joshua said, ‘Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to guard them.’” (Joshua 10:16-18).
Later, after the battle scene was secure Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings to me from the cave…..So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, ‘Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.’ And they drew near and put their feet upon their necks. Then Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight’” (Joshua 10:22-25).
It is easy to see what Joshua is doing here. He is giving them an illustrated lesson. Its purpose is to encourage them to believe for future victories against all who would challenge them as they went forward to possess the land of God’s promise. Putting their feet upon the necks of these kings serves to demonstrate their dominance and authority over their enemies. We will come back to this event later.
There are many other interesting and inspiring passages of Scripture with this same theme. For example:
1. The Ark of the Covenant (within the inner court of the Temple) is called a resting place for the feet of God. Ezk. 43:7 and see Ps. 99:5, 132:7
2. Habakkuk 3:6 speaks of the Lord standing and measuring the earth.
3. Zechariah 14:4 says that the Lord’s feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives and it will be split apart.
Consider in passing the significance found in the story of Jesus walking on the water. “Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” (Mk. 6:48-50).
As remarkable as this is, add to the story the fact that Peter was embolden enough to request that he be allowed to come to Jesus upon the water. “And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus” (Mt. 14:28,29).
We know how that turned out. Peter began to consider his situation, suddenly was aware of what he was doing and how impossible such a thing was and the faith that got him out of the boat and into the water suddenly turned into devastating doubt and he began to sink.
Two lessons: (1) Jesus has the ability to walk on the troubled waves of our trying circumstances, afflictions, and problems. (2) He bids us join Him in walking triumphantly over the top of our circumstances. A feat that is only possible if we take Him at His word, step out in faith and keep our eyes upon Him and continue to believe his command to COME! Of course we cannot actually walk on water. But the idea in Scripture is to tell us we can walk victoriously over the things that bring trouble and distress into our lives.
There is a principle of life and victory we need to hear in the Scripture when it uses these metaphors of standing with our feet on the necks of our enemies; walking on the waters of troubles and trials. Further, let’s consider Paul’s encouraging words to the church at Rome. He said:
“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (Ro 16:20 KJV).
“Shall bruise. The language here refers to the prediction in Genesis 3:15. It here means to subdue, to gain the victory over. It denotes Paul’s confidence that they would gain the victory, and would be able to overcome all the arts of those who were endeavoring to sow discord and contention among them” (Barnes).
One day, after the disciples returned from a teaching and healing mission, Jesus used the same metaphorical technique with them when he said, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Lk. 10:19 NKJV). Of course He is not referring to literal stinging, biting, poisonous creatures such as literal serpents and scorpions. The meaning here is that Jesus promises each one of us power to triumph over all kinds of evils, whether coming from people or demonic oppression. Jesus said, “I give unto you authority!” His authority mandates our victory! This will be possible because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the authority vested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ.
This really is not a new concept to any of us. In one way or another and from time to time we have said or we have heard it said that a person should, for example, “Put your foot down.” When we tell a person they need to “put their foot down” we are encouraging them to be strong, firm. To take a stand. In fact, our conversations are full of expressions concerning the use of either a foot or feet.
1. A Tenderfoot is a beginner, one who is inexperienced.
2. To have cold feet means to back out or to change one’s mind.
3. We say itching feet to describe one who wants to travel.
4. Having one’s feet on the ground is to be realistic, pragmatic, and not a dreamer.
5. We get our foot in the mouth by saying the wrong thing.
6. To hot foot it is to do something fast, quickly.
7. A promise to foot the bill is a promise to pay.
8. To get on our feet means to get established, become prosperous.
9. Step on toes means to talk about things of which people may feel guilty and it creates conviction or unease and discomfort.
Because we already have foot or feet phrases in our vocabulary and make use of them as needed it should be easy for us to grasp and apply the spiritual applications that are found in the New Testament as they apply to the life of the Christian. In this metaphorical sense it is true to say God is interested in our feet and especially what we wear on our feet to provide not only a degree of comfort but more importantly to provide stability to our walk.
1. If you knew you were going to walk through ground covered with briars, what would you want to wear? Shoes.
2. If you knew you were going to walk through ground that was covered with broken glass, what would you want to wear? Shoes.
3. If you knew you were going to do a job of digging that required the use of a shovel, what would you want to wear? Shoes.
4. If you knew you were going to begin to climb a mountain, what would you want to wear? Shoes. Better still, climbing boots.
5. What is one of the most important items an infantryman needs in order to train and go into combat? Boots.
This is the same principle that applies to our lives as Christians. Did you know that when Israel was to leave Egypt, cross the desert and the wilderness to enter the promised land of Canaan they needed shoes and the Lord reminded them of this? The Lord commanded the people: “And thus you shall eat it (the Passover meal): with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’S Passover” (Ex. 12:11 NKJV). They were on the threshold of a long journey. This journey required walking. Walking requires shoes. It is no less true today.
Do you remember when the Prodigal Son returned home? With open arms of love and forgiveness he was welcomed back by his father who demonstrated his love by providing a fabulously complete wardrobe. The Bible says, “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet’” (Lk. 15:22). The Prodigal needed shoes to complete his restoration into the family. He was not restored in order to live a life of ease and luxury. He needed shoes on his feet to equip him to assume his responsibilities as a member of the family. There were places to go, jobs to do. He needed shoes to help him in these tasks.
The Bible uses many word pictures to describe the Christian’s life and daily walk. Notice that I used the word “walk.” That is exactly how the Bible describes the Christian life. It is a “walk.” But it is also “warfare.” Paul touches upon this aspect of our lives when he describes the Christian’s armor—the armor of a Christian warrior. First, let us hear Paul say, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2Ti 2:3 KJV). Looking at Ephesians 6 we read a description of the spiritual armor we are to wear as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
Several Purposes are Served:
I. FIRM FOOTEDNESS
After naming several pieces of our spiritual equipment as we engage the forces of evil, the Holy Spirit says through Paul, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). This provision by the Holy Spirit is to give us FIRM FOOTING as we engage in spiritual warfare. One translation of this verse reads: “Let the shoes on your feet be the gospel of peace, to give you firm footing.” The Amplified Bible says, “And having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with firm-footed stability, the promptness and readiness produced by the good news) of the gospel of peace.”
II. TO TRIUMPH OVER ENEMIES
Have the congregation read in their Bibles the words of David in 2 Samuel 22:29-40. It is a psalm of praise because of the victory given him by the Lord against his enemies. Pay particular attention to such phrases as: “I have run through a troop…I have leaped over a wall” (vs. 30); “he maketh my feet like hinds’ feet” (vs. 34); “enlarged my steps …my feet did not slip” (vs. 37); “they are fallen under my feet” (vs. 39); “Thou hast given me the necks of mine enemies” (vs. 41); “I did stamp them as the mire of the street” (vs. 43).
Let us remember the words from Joshua 10 that we quoted earlier in this message. “Then Joshua said, ‘Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings to me from the cave’ . . . So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, ‘Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings,’ and they drew near and put their feet on their necks. Then Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed: be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight’” (10:22,24,25 NKJV).
III. TO MARCH FORWARD
The Living New Testament translates this verse, “Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God.”
a. Not touchy, sensitive, easily offended,
b. Not stumbling over personal offenses
c. Psalm 119:165: “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (NKJV). Or, as the margin reads: “They shall have no stumbling block.”
d. It is so easy to “stumble” when we are not wearing our proper shoes!
Conclusion:
1. We have seen the mighty angel who firmly places one foot on the land and one foot on the sea, which lets us know that our Lord is victor in every realm of life.
2. We see how when Jesus walked on the water and invited Peter to join Him that we too can walk triumphantly over the troubled waters of our circumstances.
3. We see the necessity of putting on the shoes of God’s provision for our journey.
4. We are called upon to “put shoes on our feet” to (a) provide stability in our daily walk; (b) to triumph over our enemies; (c) to march forward.
5. We are told to “put on shoes.” This is a call for obedience and an action of faith.
6. Realistically and pragmatically this means we are to think: I have shoes – I can stand – I will triumph – I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me – therefore change from doubting, complaining, blaming, to believing, seeing and doing.
7. Put your foot down on the neck of fear, anxiety, mental and spiritual weakness. Think like a conqueror. Act like a conqueror. The Bible says we are “more than conquerors” (Rm. 8:37).
