Our God Reigns Supreme! Series

ISAIAH 52: 7-12

OUR GOD REIGNS SUPREME!

[Romans 10: 11- 17]

A new awareness of what God is going to do bursts upon God’s people. Those who understand it as good news will celebrate in its glory and joy. As marvelous as this creation is and as faithful as God’s providence has been, it is redemption that is man’s greatest hope and blessing. For without redemption, the promises of life and providence are thwarted. The fallen world is caught in the bondage of sin and decay. Creation is fatally marred and providence only makes its fall bearable. If deliverance from sin and its effects are possible, then the erring children of creation may yet be led by God’s providence to the Father’s home. Such news would be cause for the greatest joy and the greatest glory would be for the One who could cause it to become truth and reality.

[All that needs to be said about redemption has now been said by Isaiah. God’s power in history has been affirmed through the predictions of Cyrus and the judgments pronounced on Babylon. His absolute superiority over the world’s gods has been shown through His ability to predict the future and to raise up and preserve His people against all odds. His endless compassion has been shown through the declarations that He will not abandon His ancient promises just because the people have sinned; and His power to accomplish His purposes through the humility of His Servant will climax this section of the book. [Oswalt, Isaiah, 367]. ]

Has God won the final victory over the forces of evil and hate, oppression and cruelty? Have we been redeemed from that bondage which has held us captive to that which is worst and basest in us?

I. THE LORD RESTORES ZION, 7-8.

II. THE SALVATION OF OUR GOD, 9-10.

III. OUR GUIDE AND GUARD, 11-12.

Isaiah graphically pictures a besieged city breathlessly awaiting the news of the outcome of a decisive conflict. If the news is victory, they are delivered; if the news is defeat, all is lost. (See the story of the news of Absalom’s death in 2 Sam. 18:19-32). Suddenly, on a distant hill a runner is seen. What is the news? As he comes nearer it can be seen that he is waving a victory palm and not so much running as dancing. Our Lord has won! Let the joyful celebration begin! [The anticipation of salvation that began at 49:1 has now reached its apex.] The anticipated victorious return of God in power to His people is about to be realized.

God’s Good News messengers are honored in verse 7. How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace and brings good news of happiness. Who announces salvation, and says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

In Old Testament times, there was no instant way of getting news. No television programs could be interrupted to announce that a coup had overthrown a government somewhere. No e-mails to convey information instantly from the Chief of Staff to his Field Marshal. There was no CNN or Associated Press.

So, if an army was fighting a battle, the news of the outcome was sent to the homeland by a runner. The people of the city knew a battle was being fought, so they would line the city walls, eagerly awaiting the news of their army’s defeat or victory (2 Sam. 18:26).

The good news originally referred to is the return from exile (spoken of in 51:17-52:6) but it foreshadowed Christ’s deliverance from sin (Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15).

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the marvelous news of a victory to share. We can report that the battle for our souls was won by Christ on Calvary when He gave His life for us (Mt. 27:45-50; Rom. 6:23). We have the proof: God raised Him from the dead in triumph (Mt. 28:1-10). This message is what Christ instructed His disciples to proclaim from place to place. Now we can proclaim the good news of the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life in heaven with the Father. This is assured for those who trust in Jesus, His Son (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 1:7). Saved by God’s good grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone!

How does this glorious news reach people? By the sure feet of God’s messenger. God says that the feet of those who bring Good News are beautiful. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to share God’s Good News of redemption, salvation and peace with others. With whom do you need to share the Good News?

As we tell the good news to others, let it be with the joy of victory in our hearts and with feet that are "beautiful" because of the glorious message we bear. The next person you meet may need to meet Jesus.