Isaiah 52:7-12
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! 8 The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the LORD bringing his people home to Jerusalem. 9 Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song, for the LORD has comforted his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The LORD will demonstrate his holy power before the eyes of all the nations. The ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. 11 Go now, leave your bonds and slavery. Put Babylon behind you, with everything it represents, for it is unclean to you. You are the LORD’s holy people. Purify yourselves, you who carry home the vessels of the LORD. 12 You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the LORD will go ahead of you, and the God of Israel will protect you from behind. (NLT)

Paul takes up the theme – Romans 10:12-21.

And Jesus himself quotes from later in Isaiah 61 that He has been sent to bring Good News.

There is a theme running here – that of God’s desire that Good News be brought to those who need to hear it!

The setup of this text begins some 6 chapters earlier in Isaiah 46.

This text announces the coming redemption from Babylon that is foretold in Jeremiah 29.

Questions:
Where in our lives are we in need of Good News?

Who around us is in need of Good News for similar reasons?

What Good News do we possess that we might proclaim to others through what we do and what we say?

PRAYER: Holy God, give us the ears to hear your good news for us. Give us eyes to see those around us in need of hope and peace. Give us hands and voices to pass along the Good News you have given to us. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.

Miscellani

Rush – “Good News First”

Anne Murray, Little Good News Lyrics

Michelle Shocked, “Good News” (yes, even Michelle Shocked!)

That’s quite a threesome, don’t you think?

Upcoming Texts:
Week of 1/14: Isaiah 49:1-7
Week of 1/21: Isaiah 9:1-4