Issue 1,121 – Beautiful Feet – April 4, 2023
One of the things I enjoy about living in Abbotsford is that we have mountains on three sides of us. From almost anywhere in the community, I can see mountains.
Some people find mountains boring because “they never change,” but I think they need to open their eyes. The view of the mountains constantly changes with the season and even moment by moment. Differing weather patterns highlight or hide vistas. The changing light of day changes their colour. I find them fascinating.
The most dominant view of the mountains is Mount Baker to the southeast of us in Washington State. Sometimes, when the weather is right, you can even see the steam coming from a vent on this glacier-covered volcano.
Baker is known as Kw’eq Smaenit to the local Nooksak indigenous people. Spanish sailors named it La Gran Montana del Carmelo in the 1790s because it reminded them of the white-robed monks at a Carmelite monastery. English sailor and explorer renamed it Mount Baker in 1792, after a lieutenant on HMS Discovery.
Whatever name it goes by, Baker is an impressive sight. When I looked at it yesterday, a familiar bible passage came to mind.
Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here I am.” How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Isaiah 52:6-7
It seems an odd expression today, but it made a lot of sense in the days of watchmen in towers. The watchman could see the messenger running towards them from a great distance; I can just imagine one racing towards the king’s palace, running full out, feet flying, eagerly looking forward to telling of victory on the battlefield or other good news. What an incredible sight indeed.
Isaiah goes on to share the prophecy about the good news of the Messiah to come.
The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you—his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand. Isaiah 52:7-15
There is no more powerful message, no more great news to those who would hear that Jesus has come to set us free. In Isaiah’s day, the Messiah was yet to appear but was promised by God, who cannot lie. Today we know that the Christ has been, died, resurrected and ascended into heaven. We are saved and waiting for His return.
What wonderful news, indeed.
May you be the one with beautiful feet to tell someone about the Lord who will redeem them if they trust in Him by faith.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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