“My people shall KNOW MY NAME; Therefore they shall know IN THAT DAY That I am He who speaks: ‘Behold, IT IS I.’ “HOW BEAUTIFUL upon the mountains ARE THE FEET of him who brings good news, Who PROCLAIMS PEACE, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “YOUR GOD REIGNS!” Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, With their voices they shall SING TOGETHER; For they shall see EYE TO EYE When the LORD brings back Zion.” (Isa. 52:6-8) The statement “how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” refers not to the appearance of the feet, but to THEIR ACTION. The coming of the messengers of the gospel of the kingdom of God IS BEAUTIFUL. The arrival of the runner seen on distant mountains dashing closer with LONG–EXPECTED GOOD NEWS is lovely to the sight. These feet are appealing because they are close at hand with GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S PEACE, salvation, and God’s absolute rule. We can have beautiful feet as we share the gospel!
Solomon said this about knowing His name, “Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and WHAT IS HIS SON’S NAME, If you know?” (Prov. 30:4) Joseph was unsure when Mary explained how she became pregnant so, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Joseph, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matt. 1:20-21)
Jesus prays for His followers, “I have GIVEN to them THE WORDS which You have given Me; and they have RECEIVED THEM, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have BELIEVED that You sent Me…they were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have KEPT YOUR WORD.” (John 17:6,8) These disciples were given the Word, they received the Word, they believed the Word, they have kept the Word and now they will take the Word INTO ALL THE WORLD…
-Bill Stockham