S) "7 How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"
Isaiah 52:7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 52
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 52
O) In context, Isaiah was speaking to a nation of POWs. The good news he meant, was the return of the exiles. The peace he meant, was to no longer have an oppressor over them. The salvation was a physical, mortal one. Now, at the same time, Isaiah was also called the Messianic Prophet, because many of his prophecies had foreshadowing for Jesus Christ. In this case, the good news is the gospel as we know it now (the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and all that entails). The peace is that which we have in Christ, the peace with God, that we are no longer His enemies. The good news of happiness relates to the unquenchable joy that we have in Jesus Christ. The salvation is, certainly, meant for this world. However, salvation means so much more than that, too. It is the eternal life we have in Christ. It is the empowerment to live a righteous life. It is the continuous sanctification by the Holy Spirit. And Zion, who is spiritually the kingdom of God, made up of every Christian in the world, our God reigns!
A) The first thing that came to mind when I read this verse, is how poorly the gospel has been received in some places in my own country, in my own state, in my own town. When I consider it carefully, slowly, and prayerfully, I think that is because the good news is not always presented as good. The feet of the messenger are often heard, either as militants marching in boots, or free spirits dancing barefoot. It seems that Christians are either seen as overbearing commandos of bigotry and self-righteousness, or else they're seen as superstitious, out-of-touch, and questionably educated. Sometimes, I want nothing more than for someone to just know what I know. I don't want to convince anyone, and I don't want to badger them. I'm not looking for arguments. I'm not even advocating for altered lifestyles. I don't want to tell people to change their political beliefs or to start condemning the beliefs of others. I just want them to really know how much God loves them, and how much life they can have in Jesus Christ. God will work on convictions and sanctify them. God will help them change beliefs that need to be changed. I just want to give people the good news, and for them to see how good it really is.
P) Father, You are unspeakably good. Thank You for all of the grace involved, that I was able to hear the good news for what it really is: good. God, I want to share this same gospel with others. I'm not interested in the praises of others, in them seeing me as anything special, I just want them to know. I want to share the gospel plainly, and joyfully, and boldly. Give me the confidence of knowing that my responsibility is to be that messenger, not to be the savior, convincer, or judge. Please open eyes and ears, and give me wisdom to share Your love with others well. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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