Something Beautiful, Something Good

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

This verse captures some of the beauty of Hebrew poetry.  Isaiah is in the middle of recounting the joy of the exiles returning from captivity.  They had been living with mockery as a nation as one who’s God had forgotten them.  But the end of their barrenness would be gone and it was time to celebrate. 

Isaiah now begins to visualize the parade back to Jerusalem.  One path winds its way through the mountains.  Isaiah can see the vast group walking with children.  He can hear the laughter, see the smiles and smell the vegetation and dust of Israel as they draw closer to Jerusalem.

At this point he envisions encouragers on both sides of the mountains.  They began to sing and chant over those who are returning.  Isaiah with thanksgiving in his heart expresses his gratitude over their presence.  Even the feet that have brought them to this mountain are honored.  Yes, these feet that have chosen to bring these people who will now bless Israel are beautiful.

Can you hear the declarations? Good news! Shouts the witnesses from one side of the mountain. The other shouts in return…Shalom or peace over their lives.  Shalom in scripture indicates favor for the whole being involved.  They would anticipate peace over their sleep, finances, relationships, and health. Shalom was the whole package of peace that brings joy and hope to everyone who experiences it.  Good news….peace over your life.

Then the second wave of blessing begins.  Good tidings which indicates that the winds have switched to their favor.  The people on the other side shout back SALVATION.  This is the Hebrew word yeshua which means salvation or deliverance.  Joshua is a derivative of this same word and transliterated yashua.  In unison both sides declare to the people below…YOUR GOD REIGNS!

Paul quotes this passage in Romans 10:16 for those who share the gospel about Jesus.  He believes that people need to GO and DECLARE the good news about Jesus.

Let’s bring it all together.  This is a verse about testimony of what God is doing in the lives of people.  To declare peace and salvation is to be in agreement with how God is already at work in people’s lives.  When we share good news we want to help people focus on the changes that God has already made in a person’s life.  This may be your own testimony or it may be sharing how God changed another person.  But the end result is focusing on how God brought about the transformation…to GOD BE THE GLORY.

When we have the privilege of sharing about the deliverance that can come from a commitment to Jesus…we are declaring Good News about the work that has already been accomplished.  God really likes it when we exalt what he is doing on the earth.  Salvation and people being born again is something worth shouting about from the mountain tops.  It is something that we have the privilege to engage in sharing.

Who do you know that God has transformed and delivered?  Maybe it is you?  Share with others how God is able to deliver.  Share how He has brought peace, shalom, to their world of chaos.  Shout that God still Reigns.