Read:  Romans 10:9-15

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (verses 14 & 15)

Reflect:

I grew up in a family that went to church every Sunday and many times twice on Sunday. When I became a believer, I felt more at home in an evangelical church setting. That caused a bit of discussion among my dad, my older brother and myself. Dad believed everyone had the right to believe as they felt was important to them. Our task was to show by example the way of Jesus in the world. My brother, a good Calvinist, believed that all who were chosen by God would come to Christ. That was the Calvinist belief in “irresistible grace”- meaning that no one can resist God’s grace if they are preordained to be believers. Of course, my radical thought was that you should tell everyone and anyone who would listen so they would be able to make a choice.

In our text today Paul quotes a line from Isaiah that speaks about bringing good news throughout the land. In ancient times, messengers were sent to the king and to all major cities to bring news about battles and attacks from other nations. These messengers often ran a long way, and their feet would get dirty and bloody. But when the message was good news, no matter the condition of the messenger’s feet, they were considered beautiful. So, Isaiah used the imagery to describe a messenger who brought the good news of salvation and peace, announcing, “Your God reigns.” (Is. 52:7).

In a world ravaged by conflict, violence and a pandemic like nothing any of us has ever experienced we need messengers of Good News! There is hope for all of us. There is a peace that passes over all of these hardships: The God of the universe loves you and offers forgiveness and an ongoing relationship.

We have good news to bring to our world. People won’t look at our feet, but they will see the peace and joy of Jesus on our faces as we share that God reigns and loves us. Jesus sends us out with the Good News: Matt. 28:19.

Pray: Lord, empower us to share with joy the Good News of your love for the world. In Jesus name, Amen.