Isaiah 52:7-10 (NLT)
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem. Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song, for the Lord has comforted his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has demonstrated his holy power before the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth will see the victory of our God.”
Prophets know what it is like to be the bearer of bad news. So many prophets, perhaps most notably Elijah, risked their lives to deliver threatening messages from God to kings who were not particularly inclined to listen. I can imagine that Isaiah would be glad to be able to bring messages of good news and hopefulness to Israel. “Peace!” and “We’re saved!” go over pretty well with most people.
Jesus was the ultimate messenger of peace and salvation. His mission was not only to tell good news but to actually deliver redemption to God’s people and to open the gates of heaven to the whole world. He walked into Jerusalem while on earth knowing that he would be arrested and killed. But he walked out of Jerusalem a resurrected and victorious Savior. He did indeed demonstrate his holy power before the eyes of all the nations.
God is in the business of redeeming people. He remakes and rebuilds. He restores and renews. If we align ourselves with God, we participate in his victory and begin to see his power in our own lives. Notice the last two words of today’s passage: “our God.” He is ours. He has given himself to us and he is proving to the whole world that he will reign forever. What supernatural victories are you expecting in your life today?