Eyes Wide Open: 40-Day Lenten Devotional Sample

Beautiful Feet

“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 52:7

The city waited nervously to learn the outcome of the crucial battle. Their army was outnumbered, and their situation seemed hopeless. Suddenly, the watchmen signaled the pending arrival of the herald who would inform the people of their fate. As he approached the city, the joy on his face was unmistakable: their God had delivered them!

The prophet Isaiah details this scene to demonstrate the surpassing power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Sin seemingly sealed humanity’s fate (Rom. 3:23), but Christ’s death and resurrection renewed hope (Rom. 6:23).

Christ’s sacrifice motivates our evangelistic efforts. Like Isaiah’s herald, we bear responsibility to tell all that Christ has triumphed over sin and made of a way of salvation. The Apostle Paul speaks to this responsibility: 

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Rom. 10:14-15).

Jesus liberated us, in part, to share his message of liberation with those who have not heard. As society remains deeply divided along political, economic, and racial lines, we carry a message of peace, joy, and deliverance. 

As Christ’s followers, we are called to the world know that the God of Zion reigns. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for overcoming the devastating effects of sin with your sacrifice on the cross. Please use me to share the story of your sacrifice with those who desperately need to hear it. May I, like the herald, carry glad tidings of peace, happiness, and salvation with great boldness and joy. Amen.

- Written by Theon Hill