Isaiah 52:7-12 – Staying on course with the Good News

In these verses, Isaiah envisioned God’s messengers sprinting over the mountains of Judah to proclaim good news to Jerusalem. The prophet was delighted to hear the sounds of messengers running towards Jerusalem with the message of peace and joyful news of salvation. The running implied how eager they were to make known the joyous news. The watchmen watching the progression of events were in exhilaration for they saw God coming to reign in Zion. They shouted with great delight for they knew with certainty that He would restore Zion. What God did for Jerusalem was to unfold His ultimate plan so that the watching world could see, acknowledge Him, and experience His salvation.

While these verses speak of the restoration of Jerusalem, they tell us of the ultimate news of salvation found in Jesus Christ. It is a message of the certainty of peace and the hope of salvation. Paul in Roman 10:15 quoted Isaiah 52:7. The part of a person’s anatomy God assesses us interestingly is not our face but our feet. The loveliness of a believer is found in his willingness to share the good news of Jesus Christ to bring peace and salvation to the hearers. The Gospel of Christ brings reconciliation with God and ensures one’s peace.

In verses 11-12,  the captives were told to depart from Babylon. As they went forth, they were urged to purify themselves. They should not bring with them the unclean vessels of their captors. They were urged to go out from their captivity restfully and with dignity. God guaranteed their safety for He would not only be their vanguard but also their rear guard. It is possible for us who have embraced the Lordship of Jesus Christ, turn our back to the world, yet bearing the conduct and habits of the world. Like the remnants, we are called not to bring along the unholy vessel of our past as we journey this new life in the Lord. Remember, He said in Luke 9:62, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” We must leave our past behind no matter how attractive and lovely they may seem. Let us stay the course! We will not regret it.