“Good news! Tell it boldly!” says the Lord to His servants, the prophets. After seventy years in captivity, they are to proclaim God’s message loudly and fearlessly to Israel: Comfort, my people. Your iniquity is pardoned. Behold, your God! He shall come in strength (Is. 40:1, 2, 9). Over half a millennium later John the Baptist again speaks these words: “Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight” (Matt. 3:3). Sin’s penalty has been paid, its bondage is broken.
Yes, “all flesh is grass.” Whether in the time of Isaiah or John the Baptist, generations come and generations go, but “the word of our God stands forever” (Is. 40:6–8). It is the eternal word of forgiveness and comfort to all who will repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. But this good news must be declared boldly to each generation before that generation fades, withers, and passes away. Therefore, “how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news” (Is. 52:7).
O Lord, make our feet beautiful and our voices bold!
