In the 6th century BC, Assyria terrorized and dominated the Fertile Crescent. The Israelites were some of their victims.
Nahum declared God’s judgment upon the Assyrians. This message was undoubtedly good news for those who had suffered from their dreadful wartime atrocities.
Look! On the mountains the feet of one
who brings good tidings,
who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, O Judah;
fulfill your vows,
for never again shall the wicked invade you;
they are utterly cut off. Nahum 1.15
In ancient times, messengers would physically run across terrains to deliver news, and their arrival, especially with good news, was a cause for joy.
The good news of peace includes wholeness and well-being. This isn’t just a cessation of conflict, but a proclamation of a state of holistic peace and prosperity.
Like Nahum, Isaiah lived during a time of conflict. Like the prophet of the 6th century, Isaiah also had a vision of good news being delivered by one of God’s servants.
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52.7
The message of “salvation” represents deliverance, safety, and liberation. After enduring years of threats, warfare, and oppression, such a message would be joyously welcomed.
The declaration “Your God reigns” is a statement of faith that affirms despite appearances, it is God who ultimately has authority and control.
When we read this verse in the light of the New Testament, it foreshadows the Gospel, the ‘good news’ of Jesus Christ bringing salvation.
Paul quoted Isaiah and applied the good news to the preaching of the gospel.
But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?
And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10.14-15).
One of the greatest opportunities for followers of Jesus is to serve as God’s instrument for sharing the good news. In doing so, we assist others in discovering who Jesus is and help them experience the fullness and goodness He brings to our lives.
I will always be thankful to Butch Roll for guiding me to meet Jesus as my Savior. The day I welcomed Jesus into my life marked a turning point, improving my life immensely and forever altering my eternal destiny.
Rudy Ross has a different experience of meeting Jesus from mine, but a similar outcome. Rudy shares his story today on YouTube. I hope you’ll take the time to listen to it, as it is quite interesting and inspiring.
I encourage you to consider the people within your sphere of influence and ask God if He wants to use you as a messenger of good news to them.
Armor of God
Many people wisely incorporate the Armor of God, as described by Paul in Ephesians 6, into their daily prayer routine.
As you equip yourself with the Armor of God, pay attention to the role of being messengers. Like Nahum or Isaiah, our feet are part of God’s armor, given the opportunity to bring the gospel of peace to others.
Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness and lace up your sandals in preparation for the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6.13-14).
Why not take a moment now, as you read this article, to reflect on the person who introduced you to God’s love through Jesus Christ? Take a moment and thank God for that person’s gift of good news to you.
Now, turn your thoughts to individuals in your life whom you could guide toward meeting Jesus.
Who are they? Have you been praying for them?
Consider ways you might gently encourage them towards Jesus. What could you say? How might you assist them?
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross shares how he became a follower of Jesus in today’s YouTube video. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 