Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’

The image that caught my attention is the beauty of the feet of the messenger on the mountain, the feet of a messenger proclaiming good news.  

Rob and I hiked up to the top of Enchanted Rock in the Texas Hill Country this past September, a pink granite dome, with the best 360 views of the Hill Country. I appreciate the idea of gazing down in gratitude at those feet that got me to the top. At the top, the view changes dramatically, opening to a view of vast landscape.

The messenger in the scripture is speaking a message of hope to those who have had little. The people of God are in exile in Babylonia in the sixth century, B.C. This messenger is bringing light to darkness and to a people who are residing deep in the shadows, with no concept of the hope that comes from seeing the vast views from the top. They long for release, for someone to give them hope.

The message is one of peace, which in Hebrew is Shalom. Shalom is life as God intended it, good relations within the family and community and enjoyment of God’s good gifts in creation.  The messenger is proclaiming hope for a return of wholeness and connection with God, seeing the light beyond, despite the current darkness. 

I can’t help but think how the joyful content of this message would affect the messenger. The hope and joy being proclaimed would fill the messenger with hope. The messenger can see the wider view and offers a glimpse to others by being present and letting the hope radiate through them from their head to their beautiful feet.

Imagine yourself at the top of the mountain looking out and let the joy of the view wash over you from head to toe. Let the message of hope, joy, and the wholeness of God’s creation wash over you as you hear the message: “YOUR GOD REIGNS!” 

Contributed by Kristi Button