Isa 52:7-10 Ps 19:1-6 Matt 4:18-22
Our God Reigns!
I’m not sure anyone has ever described my feet as beautiful! But today I bring you good news at a time when all the news going to print seems to be bad, such as No-deal Brexit, Austerity and Tiers.
Do not despair, today’s passage from Isaiah heralds good news…
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
‘Your God reigns!’
8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes.
9 Burst into songs of joy together,
you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord will lay bare his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.
This news is better than the end of lockdown this week, or the arrival of vaccines, as our God reigns and will continue to reign. Stop for a moment and ponder that truth. Here in these verses we have the promise of the Lord’s return. Isaiah wrote these words at a time long before Jesus walked through the streets of Jerusalem. However, I believe this is a prophecy which is yet to be completely fulfilled, and refers to when Jesus returns to Zion (Jerusalem). Given these verses, in addition to ones in the gospels and Revelation, there will be no doubt when Jesus returns, as it will be very evident to all, announced with trumpet blasts and, “in the sight of ALL nations”. It should be motivation enough for us to burst into songs of praise now!
How I miss us singing together joyfully. When I was a ‘young’ Christian, the song, ‘How lovely on the mountains’ by L. E. Smith Jnr. was one of my favourites. (Maybe we can sing it in church when we meet again; please Mike?)
I notice that already there are advanced signs of people getting ready for Christmas, eager to lift their spirits. This song should prompt us to get ready for the second Advent when he will return in glory to bring his people home to the kingdom.
Okay, maybe this news was delivered by my fingers tapping away at the laptop, rather than my feet! But, why not ask God who you should share this good news with today, and be ready for his prompting? In the meantime, let’s celebrate! Perhaps even burst into song, but only where it is safe to do so!
Prayer
Dear Lord,
We thank you that you have placed in the scriptures good news of hope to refresh us today. Nurture in us, that excited expectation of your return. Show us who needs this good news today and help us to share this to those around us in Southbourne and to the ends of the earth.
Amen