The prophets wrote about the beautiful mountains of Israel. The cascading sunlight spilling over the mountain’s crest . . . it warms the soul. One of the gates to the Temple was actually called Beautiful. We can only imagine its architectural display. From garments to crowns, the scripture points to the beauty of things that surrounded them. They were layered with gold; woven with purple; or reflective of nature’s bounty. Beautiful.
The Bible also introduces another subject rarely included in things so defined: The beauty of feet. Isaiah 52:7 “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!”
The primary feature is the feet of the person who brings these “good tidings.” Paul follows suit; Romans 10:15 “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Our missionaries have given up so many things for the sake of this Gospel. How beautiful are their feet. They are searching for people throughout the world. Their children join them in this mission to spread the Gospel. There are no travel sports programs; no weekday softball; no Saturday picnics. The very least the American church can do is give to support those who publish peace. If we would simply reduce just one of our conveniences per week, we would all be able to give. The challenge is in our reduction. We are not given to such things. However, I am asking you to make a sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. The New Birth experience must find a place in locations we will never go.
Our purpose today is to focus on those who preach the Word and our responsibility to them. We have so much. Nations are reached and lives are changed through the financial support given. Destinies are determined because we invested in preachers and teachers. The greatest need is not food, education, or healthcare. The world’s greatest need is Jesus and the Gospel! And for those who have offered their lives for The Cause, we are honored to pray for them and to offer the means to make that possible. This is our time, our duty, and our obligation to send the Message.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole