The Good News of Salvation
«How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!»
«And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.»
Promise and fulfilment
The Old Testament announced the arrival of a messenger whose message would be one of peace, salvation, and the kingship of God. It was the hope for the redemption of the people.
This announcement was fulfilled in Christ. With his birth, salvation became concrete, and people like Anna bore witness that he is the one who brings the long-awaited redemption.
Let these verses remind you to take your own Bible in your hands, read them there again and, if you wish, continue a little further. Holding God's Word in your hands also gives you a precious moment away from the digital world.
Do not read the Bible in one long run, but passage by passage: one text, unhurried, asking the Holy Spirit for understanding. Whoever tries to swallow everything at once loses the overview. Whoever takes one passage each day will see the whole picture over time.
The connection
In the Old Testament, the arrival of a messenger of good tidings, proclaiming peace and salvation, is eagerly awaited. This longing for salvation becomes concrete in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus, as people like the prophetess Anna recognise and bear witness to him as the promised Saviour.
Reflection
Yesterday, we celebrated the comfort of Israel, which has come in Christ. Today, we see how this message of comfort and salvation is carried into the world. Isaiah speaks of the 'beautiful feet of him that bringeth good tidings,' proclaiming peace and salvation. Imagine how long people had waited for this news, how great their longing was.
And then it happens: God becomes man. In Luke's Gospel, we see how this ancient prophecy comes alive. A woman like Anna, who had dedicated her life to prayer in the temple, recognises the promised Saviour in the small child. Her joy is so great that she cannot remain silent. She herself becomes a messenger of good tidings, speaking of the salvation that is now tangible.
This story reminds us that the message of Jesus is not just an old tale, but a living reality. Even today, people long for peace, salvation, and redemption. You are invited to live out and share this good news in your daily life, not with grand words, but with the authenticity of your being. Your feet can become beautiful feet today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the prophets who spoke of your salvation so long ago. I thank you that you fulfilled these promises in Jesus. Help me today to be a person who carries and radiates this good news. Let my steps be guided by your peace and my words bear witness to your love. Fill me with Anna's joy, so that I may speak of you to those who await salvation. Amen.
The thread
Yesterday, we considered the comfort of Israel. Today, we see how this comfort is carried into the world, looking ahead to the proclamation of salvation that will become visible next week in baptism.
Your feet can carry the good news today. Be a messenger of peace.
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