Read: Isaiah 52:7-9 (NIV)
7How beautiful on the mountains
are
the feet of those who bring good news,
who
proclaim peace,
who
bring good tidings,
who
proclaim salvation,
who
say to Zion,
“Your
God reigns!”
8Listen! Your watchmen lift up
their voices;
together
they shout for joy.
When
the LORD returns to Zion,
they
will see it with their own eyes.
9Burst into songs of joy together,
you
ruins of Jerusalem,
for
the LORD has comforted his people,
he
has redeemed Jerusalem.
Reflect:
Isaiah
52:7-9 speaks of the release of the Jews from Babylon and their return home.
Some Jews had early notice of the release and immediately went themselves, or
sent messengers to all parts of the country to inform everyone their brothers
would soon return home. It was published not merely as news, but as proof that
Zion’s God reigns. Jesus came to Earth to bring the good news of salvation to
us. In Romans 10:15, it again repeats, “How beautiful are the feet of those who
bring good news!” This communicates that the deliverance and redemption of
mankind is by Jesus Christ. The application of Isaiah 52:7 is our mission of
sharing the gospel. It is a great blessing that we should welcome with joy and
thankfulness.
In
the world today, some people see Jesus as just a good man. Some do not even
know his name. Christmas has been accepted by many as a holiday of joy and
sharing. Some people love to read the Christmas story, but to many people, it
is just a story. Many people openly deny the truth of Christ. Yet there is
nothing that can surpass the story of God’s love and there is no gift that can
surpass the gift of God’s grace. Only the precious feet of Jesus that were
nailed to the cross could have brought this good news.
Jesus
came to us on a mission that only he could perform because of his purity. White
is often associated with purity and peace in western cultures, and often a
bride will wear white during a wedding as a sign of purity.
I
recently attended a wedding, and it was clear the couple’s mission was to
glorify the name of Christ during the ceremony. The couple even ended the
ceremony by taking communion together. The bride wore a white dress, but we
learned that earlier that day the bride’s sister had the iron too hot and
burned a very large stain in the dress. After the initial shock, the bride went
to the Lord in prayer. She then went to work and managed to repair the dress.
Those who attended the wedding did not see any stains, only a beautiful woman
dressed in white. We all carry stains in our lives, yet the love and grace of
Jesus Christ washes us white as snow. When we go out into the world, we are
dressed in white because we accepted the gift of grace given by Jesus.
Act:
One
of the definitions of the word publish is “to make generally known or to make a
public announcement.” Our mission must become sharing the good news as a daily
part of our lives at home, in our church, and in the community. How beautiful
are the feet of those who bring good news!
There
are many ways that you can bring the good news. The first thing to do is pray,
then seek the guidance and wisdom of the pastors and elders. Seek jobs or
ministries within and outside of your church that use your gifts. Be open to
the times when God asks you to step out of your comfort zone. Read and study
the Bible and live your life as best you can. People will notice.
The
bride had two flower girls: a 5 year old and a toddler who kept picking up the
flowers the older girl placed on the rug. When you share the wisdom and beauty
of Christ, others will hear and pick up these words.
Be
ready to share your faith in Christ with the people around you. One of the best
ways to share with a person is to listen to them. During your good and bad times
let people know of your love and faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray:
Dear
Lord, I pray that we publish daily our love and faith in Jesus Christ, for only
His beautiful feet could bring the good news of Your grace and salvation.
Credits: Matthew Henry’s Commentary
William Mitchell
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