LIVING HOPE - Reading With the People of God: Part 18ಮಾದರಿ

Beautiful Feet

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news" (Isaiah 52: 7 ESV).

It was not uncommon for a lone runner to sprint home to announce the fate of an Israelite battle. In this case, the runner returns to broadcast the “good news” of a victory, which results in “peace,” “happiness,” and “salvation”. This imagery shows that a spiritual victory has been won (“Your God reigns”; vv. 7, 10 ESV). In light of the overarching story of redemption, this announces the dawn of the kingdom of God when God would come to overthrow evil, restore his people, and reign as king. This good news promised by Isaiah is fulfilled in Jesus, who said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15 ESV) (Drew Hunter, Knowing The Bible). Through Jesus, the suffering servant, the Son of God who became human, who was despised and rejected, who was disfigured beyond recognition, who descended to the grave and is now lifted and exalted, the kingdom of God is being reestablished and our salvation has been achieved and secured.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

The author of Hebrews repeatedly sends his Jewish readers back to the Old Testament to help them understand the new covenant that Jesus has brought. Under the old covenant, the people worshiped in an earthly tabernacle, the priest offered animal sacrifices for their sins on the altar, and God’s presence was only accessible in the Most Holy Place behind the curtain. These actions would have to be repeated again and again to atone for the people’s sins. But Jesus’ superior sacrifice on the cross forever replaced this ritual pattern of sacrifice. Jesus entered the Most Holy Place, and through his perfect sacrifice has “Once and for all” brought us the possibility of redemption and eternal life with God (Hebrews 9:12 ESV). Only Jesus could offer his sinless life as ransom for our sin, and he is now the mediator of this new covenant on our behalf (Max Lucado, Life Lessons from Hebrews).

Let us give thanks to a loving God who did not leave us to make a way into his presence. He provided the way through the death of his Son and now we look forward to the great day when Jesus reappears.

Primer contributed by Norm Hudspeth, ministering elder, Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla.