The Gospel of Peace

“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!’”  Isaiah 52:7

Surprisingly, there are more verses containing the word “peace” in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah, than in any other book of the Bible. The central occurrence (15 before and 15 after) is in our text, speaking of those whose feet travel with the beautiful gospel (that is, “good news,” mentioned twice in this verse) of peace. The one proclaiming this gospel is said to be publishing salvation, announcing the imminent reign of God the Savior over all the earth.

The first mention of “peace” in Isaiah speaks of the coming King and His reign, and so does the final occurrence. First, “The government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called...Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Then, in Isaiah’s last chapter we read, “For thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream’” (Isaiah 66:12).

This wonderful gospel of peace is specifically mentioned just twice in the New Testament. The first is a direct quotation from our text. “How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!’” (Romans 10:15).

The second is in connection with the Christian’s spiritual armor. The “beautiful feet” that are to carry the good news are, most appropriately, to be “shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE” (Ephesians 6:15). It is our high privilege to be among those whose feet travel upon the mountains, and across the plains, and over the seas with the beautiful gospel of peace and salvation.