The Swift-Footed Messenger

You have probably heard of the well-known quote from Antigone Sophocles, “No one loves the messenger who brings bad news.” There is no doubt that we all prefer to hear good news instead of bad news. However, it seems that bad news tends to travel a lot faster than good news. 

Fortunately for us, we do not have to settle for bad news. The Bible is full of good news, and we can find some in Isaiah 52:7. We are told, “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!’” Here, the messenger is bringing the much-anticipated news of deliverance from captivity in Babylon. The prophet is urging the captive Jews to prepare to return to Jerusalem. The beautiful city that the heathen armies defiled and destroyed was now to be rebuilt and become holy once again. It was a message of peace, good tidings and salvation at last.

I am particularly intrigued by how Isaiah gives attention to the messenger’s feet. He is running with haste, and it is an indication that the messenger bears an exciting and hopeful message. The joyful courier is a poetic expression of his welcomed arrival. How agreeable are the tidings which he brings! “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!” Nahum 1:15.

In Mark 16:15, Jesus instructs us to, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” Like the swift-footed messenger who was to go quickly without losing time, we too are instructed to be swift and bearers of the Good News. We can simply start by sharing Christ with those we interact with daily. Evangelism is versatile and has many branches, and the opportunity that God gives us with family, friends and community is immense. We can be living testimonies and touch the hearts of those unbelievers who surround us. More importantly we can openly demonstrate that our words are in harmony with our actions.

The swift-footed messenger had a message for the people at that time, and we have the message of hope and redemption for the people of our time. Peace and salvation were procured and conferred upon us, through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The price He paid for our salvation was not paid with silver or gold, or corruptible things, but by His own precious blood. As weary and sin burdened individuals, we can find relief through Jesus Christ. The Good News is that the Lord Jesus reigns, and it is time to be swift and share this with those around us. Let the news travel far and wide, Jesus is coming soon!

By Lee-Roy Chacon

President