What beautiful feet!

Slices

Prepare

‘At a time of ongoing international political tension and shifting global loyalties, I come before the God of the nations. I come to hear your still small voice, bringing peace and healing to a broken world. You are here, you are present and I’m listening.’

Bible passage

Isaiah 52:1–12 

Awake, awake, Zion,
    clothe yourself with strength!
Put on your garments of splendour,
    Jerusalem, the holy city.
The uncircumcised and defiled
    will not enter you again.
Shake off your dust;
    rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem.
Free yourself from the chains on your neck,
    Daughter Zion, now a captive.

For this is what the Lord says:

‘You were sold for nothing,
    and without money you will be redeemed.’

For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

‘At first my people went down to Egypt to live;
    lately, Assyria has oppressed them.

‘And now what do I have here?’ declares the Lord.

‘For my people have been taken away for nothing,
    and those who rule them mock,’
declares the Lord.
‘And all day long
    my name is constantly blasphemed.
Therefore my people will know my name;
    therefore in that day they will know
that it is I who foretold it.
    Yes, it is I.’

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!’
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.
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.

11 Depart, depart, go out from there!
    Touch no unclean thing!
Come out from it and be pure,
    you who carry the articles of the Lord’s house.
12 But you will not leave in haste
    or go in flight;
for the Lord will go before you,
    the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

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Explore

As I read this passage, I’m aware of other powerful influences. I think of Handel’s Messiah, and the sublime aria which begins with verse 7. In his genius, Handel set to music Isaiah’s stunning words to be enjoyed by audiences unimagined by Isaiah the prophet. I’m also reminded of the way Paul the apostle quotes these words in Romans 10. He is arguing that through Jesus Christ, Jew and Gentile alike can know the forgiving power of God. 

Though very different, Paul and Handel are inspired by a big theme in this reading. God is doing a new thing. Israel’s years of exile and shame are over and announced by one of his messengers. But this is bigger than one nation. All the ends of the earth shall see God’s work of healing, renewal and justice (v 10). Isaiah’s words have the impact of a depth charge, signalling hope for all peoples everywhere. Israel’s suffering is coming to an end, and this is good news for everyone. 

Author
Gethin Russell-Jones

Respond

Think of the people and nations with whom you feel little affinity and thank God that his loving purposes are inclusive. The good news of Jesus, which brings peace and wholeness, is available to us all. 

Bible in a year

Read the Bible in a year: Amos 1,2; Revelation 6

Pray for Scripture Union

Pray for our team in the north as they support Faith Guides who are running events and activities in schools in the build-up to Christmas. Pray that this would lead to many children and young people having the opportunity to explore who Jesus is and why his birth is so important.

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