“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.” Isaiah 52:7 NIV
We live in a world ruled by sin, ruined by injustice, violence, corruption, self-centredness. We live in a corrupted world, filled with despair, sickness and death. If you are living in fear of violence or in grinding poverty it can be hard to feel like God cares for us. If you are living in broken homes and shattered communities, it can be hard to think that God is near. These feelings were also felt by God’s Old Testament people.
The prophet Isaiah saw a war-torn Jerusalem. The city was crumbling under foreign occupation. It was a shell of what it once was. It was not so easy for them either. But these are the very people that Isaiah, the prophet, encouraged to “Sing!” From a battlefield, a messenger approaches the city to announce not only a victory from the battlefield, but that God Himself was coming. What God had promised arrived because He did something about it Himself. The city that was crumbling under foreign occupation could now rejoice: God was returning, the city would be restored, and the community would be made whole. God had rolled up His sleeves and peace and justice would be restored. Freedom would be achieved. He was not distant; He was returning to reign. He cared and He was personally getting involved. This peace and good news and salvation are not only for the people of the Old Testament. This active involvement of God Himself is not only for the people of Israel and Judah but also for all the people of the earth. God’s commitment is to save all people. This peace, good news and salvation are for us too. It is the good news that, in Jesus Christ, our God reigns. God keeps His promises. He cares and He is not distant.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord Jesus, we celebrate the Good News that You are not distant.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your commitment to save all people. For the good news is that in You our God reigns. He keeps His promises. He cares and He is not distant. AMEN
I.B.R.A. Readings
Mark 12:13-27
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