God Speaking

“How 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.”.”

(Isaiah 52: 7)

Our church is spending the month of January concentrating on the spreading of the good news by missionaries, but also pointing out that spreading that good news is also a part of every Christian’s walk. Last week our Pastor really grabbed my attention by suddenly flashing on the overhead screen this question;

How beautiful are your feet?

And then he filled the screen with the verse from Isaiah 52: 7

He went on to encourage all of us to examine our everyday lives to see where the Lord could use us to carry that beautiful message of good news and as he finished he asked us all to stand and look at our feet as he prayed a blessing on every pair of feet in the building.

To be honest I don’t think my feet are beautiful at all, but all through this week I have been thinking through that compelling verse from Isaiah and delving into what it means for all of us. In Isaiah’s time messengers were a very important component of everyday living, and mostly messages were delivered on foot so those feet became very special when the news was good tidings.

We as followers of Jesus have so much good news to carry to others, but sometimes our feet are not on the right path to reach those who are the most wanting or those who most need glad tidings to replace sadness, grief in their lives. Some need to hear the message of peace instead of discord and some have never heard of the salvation freely given to them.

The best news for mankind arrived through the messenger, the angel of the Lord;

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 10 – 11)

Choosing where we walk is a big part of following the Lord’s commands and we all need guidance as to which path will allow us to bless others with that wonderful good news, the messenger angel had for all people. I often go back to the wisdom the Psalmists used. God’s word will show us where to go.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119: 105)

Proverbs is the other great source of wisdom which spans centuries and all cultures and is as relevant today as when it was written thousands of years ago.  I love this verse which talks about “snow” in harvest which sounds odd until you realise that the snow refers to a cold drink which brings refreshment not only to the hearers, but also to the master who sent the message. How lovely to think our feet bringing good news to others will also be a joy to our Heavenly Father who sends us in his name

“Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.” (Proverbs 25: 13)