Reflecting the Image

Scripture:

Romans 10:15-17

15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16 But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. (NRSVUE)

Observation:

Paul is telling the Roman Christians that there is a need for them to go to those who have not heard the good news of Jesus Christ. He reminds them of the Old Testament passage that those who bring “good news” have “beautiful feet.”

Paul certainly has his own experiences with taking the gospel to people who have never heard of Christ before. Not everyone is going to obey, but that should never be a deterrent.

We press on.

We reach out to others.

We continue to share the good news.

And in the midst of it all — even if we have ugly physical feet — they become beautiful, because “faith comes from what is heard.” It’s the responsibility of the Roman believers to share the good news, and it is the power of the “word of Christ” that brings about faith in those who hear.

Application:

The older we get — the uglier our feet become. Callouses, ingrown toenails, bunions, thick nails, arthritis, etc., do nothing for the aesthetics of our feet! That’s why this passage is interesting to me, because many of those I know who have given their lives to sharing the good news don’t necessarily have pretty feet. I’m a nurse! I’ve seen it all.

But there’s something deeper here. During my doctoral studies I was reminded that whenever I encountered the word “beauty” in the Old Testament, I should pay attention to its relationship with holiness. Scripture often speaks of the beauty or splendor of God’s holiness. Here in Isaiah, the feet are beautiful because they carry the announcement of God’s salvation: “Your God reigns!” There is something beautiful about a life that carries the good news of God into the world.

Jesus had told the disciples that they would receive the “promise of the Father,” and they did on the day of Pentecost. He also told them that after they had waited for this gift, they would receive power to be His “witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

They would receive power.

And now, I can’t help but see those beautiful feet stepping into the River.

In Ezekiel’s vision, the first measurement of the water reaches the soles of his feet. He can still feel the ground beneath him. He can feel the rocks. He is nowhere near water deep enough to swim in — but his feet are wet.

The feet have to lead the way before we can go any deeper.

Beautiful feet are feet willing to take that first step into the stream of the Holy Spirit. As we go deeper, we become increasingly dependent upon the Spirit’s presence and power. And those same feet carry us wherever the Spirit leads, taking with them the good news of Jesus Christ.

The River is already flowing. We don’t create it. We don’t determine its direction. But we are invited to step into it and participate in the continuing mission of Jesus.

Don’t be afraid of the water.

Don’t be concerned about the condition or age of your feet.

Put your feet in the River and allow the Holy Spirit to make them beautiful as they carry the good news!

Prayer:

Lord, help me to step into Your stream. Sometimes I am afraid about sharing Your good news. May that fear melt into peace as I place my trust in You. Lead me deeper into Your presence, and may You transform my aging feet into something beautiful for You. Amen.