117. Good News, Peace, Salvation
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publlisheth salvation,: that said unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Good News is beautiful. The messengers that bring good news look beautiful because they are bringing good news, good news of good. Everyone loves good news, and everyone needs good news. Everyone needs The Good News of Jesus Christ. The messengers that bring good news publish peace and salvation. The good news messengers of God published peace and salvation to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born on earth. All who publish peace are beautiful people. World War II veterans tell us no one will ever understand the joy and celebration that flowed through the troops and the country when peace was published.
God promises the Gospel of peace and salvation for all who will receive it. Gospel preachers are beautiful people, not because they are beautiful in themselves but because they bring a beautiful message that is meant for all people. And each Gospel preacher is beautiful to me. The further truth of this promise is that we may announce and publish this wonderful news to anyone at any time. Even, and especially, we may publish the good news to ourselves by ourselves. This happens when we read and hear the Bible. The Bible is full of good news that brings peace and salvation. The Holy Spirit uses the message of Scripture to give and grow faith. Very seldom will we walk away from large group Bible study, small group Bible study, or personal devotions without feeling better, because of the beautiful peace and salvation we have received.
The specific message to the Church is: “Your God reigns!” Both John the Baptist and Jesus announce the same message: “The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel.” The kingdom of God is the reign of God. The good and kind Lord has taken charge of our lives and hearts. God is taking over. He drives out sin and evil, death and the devil, self and all self-destructive self-centeredness. God is good and Jesus is King. This is really good news.