By Dr. Robert C Crowder
Reading:
Isaiah 52:7-10 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! 8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. 9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Romans 10:14-15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 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!
Reflection:
Isaiah paints a vivid picture of messengers running over the mountains, feet dusty from travel, voices breathless with excitement, proclaiming good news: “Thy God reigneth!” This is the foundation of all peace; the rule of God over everything. When circumstances spin out of control, when enemies threaten, when the future looks uncertain, peace begins with the settled conviction that God still sits on His throne. His sovereignty is the unshakable ground of our calm.
The context of Isaiah’s prophecy matters. He was writing to a people facing exile, defeat, and the apparent collapse of everything they knew. Jerusalem would fall. The temple would burn. The Davidic throne would seem vacant. Yet into that darkness came the announcement of peace; not because circumstances would improve immediately, but because God’s reign had not ended. He was still working His purposes, keeping His covenant, still moving history toward the fulfillment of His promises.
The phrase “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings” speaks to the relief and joy of those who hear that salvation has come. In the ancient world, messengers brought news of victory or defeat, peace or war. A messenger running toward the city could mean deliverance or disaster. But this messenger brings good tidings; tidings of peace, tidings of good, tidings of salvation. The content of the message is this: “Thy God reigneth!”
Paul applies this passage in Romans 10:15 to those who preach the gospel of Christ.
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!
The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ is the ultimate announcement of peace. God reigns; not merely over political kingdoms, but over sin, death, and Satan. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, God has triumphed over every enemy that threatened humanity. The message of the gospel is a declaration of victory: the war is won, the King has conquered, peace is available to all who believe.
When the Lord reigns in our hearts, fear loses its voice. Anxiety cannot sustain itself in the presence of God’s sovereignty. This does not mean we will never face trouble, for Jesus Himself promised tribulation in this world.[1] But peace is not the absence of struggle; it is the presence of the King who saves. The same God who brought Israel out of Babylon, who rules over all creation, who raised Jesus from the dead, is the God who rules in the life of every believer.
Notice that Isaiah said the Lord has “made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations.” God’s power is not hidden or theoretical; it is displayed, revealed, made visible. When God acts in salvation, the world sees His strength. The nations witness His deliverance. And “all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” This peace is not parochial or limited; it extends to every tribe, tongue, and nation. The reign of God is comprehensive and eternal.
As you face this day, this week, this season, return to the foundational truth: your God reigns. Whatever threatens your peace, whether external circumstances or internal turmoil, cannot overthrow His sovereignty. He has spoken peace through the blood of Christ, and His word stands forever.
Prayer:
- Thank God that He reigns over every circumstance in your life, and ask Him to remind you of His sovereignty when anxiety rises and fear whispers.
- Pray for His peace to calm your troubled heart through faith in His rule.
Consider:
Send a verse of encouragement to someone who needs peace today; perhaps Isaiah 52:7 or Romans 10:15. Include a personal note reminding them that God still reigns, even in their current trial.
[1] John 16:33
Robert C. Crowder Ministries 
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