How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 (Isaiah 49-53)
Within the prophecies of Isaiah are four poems, identified by the Biblical scholar Bernhard Buhm in his commentary of 1892. They are called The Servant Songs, or the call of the servant to lead all nations to God. First and foremost, Israel must be led back to God and trust and obey, so they may do the work they were created to accomplish.
These poems are Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12. In the midst of the Servant’s work to light the world, He also brings comfort and encouragement to the afflicted and weary through the model of perfect peace. While Israel was waiting for a conquering avenger, God was preparing a humble, simple Man, who would touch the unclean, dine with the social outcast, love the unlovable and die for the eternal life of those who wished Him dead. But, just as we are called to pattern our lives after The Savior, we are also called to be a servant. It is considered that Jesus, the Messiah, is the premier object of these songs, but Israel, the Bible heroes of the ages and historical martyrs of great faith are also those among The Called. They have testified to God’s authority, power and love, thus bringing the message of salvation to all nations.
The feet of The Servant, and all others, compelled by love to declare The Gospel, are the most beautiful sight in all the world, to those seeking a way through the darkness.
Love,
Gretchen