Beautiful Feet
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7
A friend told me that she no longer watches the news because of all the pain and violence in the world. She feels angry and sad about all the suffering and wishes she could do something about it. She said, “I’m ready to hear good news.”
The prophet Isaiah spoke to God’s people at a time when they needed to hear good news. They were in exile, and they longed to return to their homeland and the city of Jerusalem.
God had such good news for His people. Isaiah said the feet of the messenger who brought this news were beautiful. It’s not that the feet were actually beautiful; they were probably dirty, blistered, and smelly after a long journey. But the news of restoration was so good and full of the hope, to the people who longed for this news, they were beautiful!
The good news was, and still is, that God reigns. No matter what bad news we hear, God is still in control of this world. No matter how sad or angry we might feel about the news of the world, God promises us a future of beauty and perfect peace. Just as God restored his people in ancient times, God will one day restore the world for all time. This is such good news that it helps us to persevere, looking ahead to the day when God will renew all things.
Until that day, we are to be God’s messengers. We have the privilege of sharing the good news that His grace, love, mercy, and peace are available to everyone through Jesus Christ. I assure you my feet are not swift and beautiful but because of the message they carry, they are in God’s eyes.
God, You rule over all things, and You will one day fully restore all that You have created and love. Thank You for that good news! Amen.