And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”‭‭

–Parallel verses:
Isaiah‬ ‭52:7-10‬
[God speaking]
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. 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.

I got the chance to listen to a presentation on Project Recover yesterday, by one of my friends. This group of Americans spends resources and time trying to recover the MIAs (Missing in Action soldiers) who gave their lives for our country. They dive in the ocean, and forage through the jungle to find the planes that were shot down and give closure to the families who lost their loved ones. These brave men from WWII answered the call of their country and sacrificed for those they loved.

The picture Paul is painting here is similar: it is a picture of men of a nation who have gone out to fight for their freedom against an advancing army. Watchmen are posted at the city wall to open the gates for their men, but keep them closed for the invaders. Then, after the battle is over, the soldiers return home and either have good or bad news. The lives of their countrymen will be drastically changed depending on the outcome of the war. If they lose, then the invaders will plunder them, enslave them, and possibly kill them. If they win, their freedom is secure. So imagine the picture of a soldier running home, carrying the good news that the battle has been won! It was life-changing news!

This passage in Romans 10 refers to the parallel verses in Isaiah. And it is a reference to a physical battle that God helped the Israelites win. But it is also a reference to the spiritual battle Jesus Christ has already won for eternity, the battle that conquered sin’s grip on our souls and allow us to dwell with God again, to live life in his Kingdom. And those of us who have accepted this gift of salvation are called to be heralds of this good news. We get to be the ones to share with those around us that the battle against sin is won, and the righteous Lord Jesus is victorious! We get to share that their sins have been paid for and they can follow their redeemer Jesus and truly live! This is a beautiful job, a wonderful opportunity! Let us embrace it, live in it, and enjoy it!

Lord, thank you that I get to be the bearer of the incredible news of victory over sin and new life in Jesus Christ! I accept the call!