7 hours Ago By By Maureen Miller
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of [them] who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’” (Isaiah 52:7 ESV). Confession: Sometimes my feet get tired. Those imperfect appendages that possess five pigs each, adding up to 10 “parents” of typically unpainted toenails that often bear callouses and which stay dirty most of summer.
They take me where I need or desire to go, whether for hurried chores about the house or a brisk walk around the lake. They enable me to chase grand-girls in the yard, offering stability when I push them on their swings. Yes, these feet enjoy sand all around them, grass beneath them, and the occasional stroll through snow.
Sometimes they’re cold and beg for wooly socks; other times, they kick off smelly, sweaty sneakers. Feet — they’re a part of us from the moment we’re born. Adoring parents of newborns count each toe, kissing them with delight.
Children’s feet are traced and painted by teachers for special art projects. Later, those same feet are measured for shoe sizes, then slid into ballerina slippers, basketball high tops, or track and field cleats. A bride-to-be takes great pride in choosing just the right dancing shoes for her feet, and a tuxedo-tailored groom typically pushes his into shoes polished to a shine.
Feet — from small to large, they grow — and yes, go! — with us all our lives. Some are manicured; others rough. Many with unbecoming bunions hidden from view; others beautiful totally bare.
Feet — God walked through the Garden with barefooted Adam and Eve until sin entered the world (Genesis 3:8-10). Moses approached the burning bush having removed his sandals on that holy ground (Exodus 3:5). Our feet are like that of a deer, able to tread high places (Habakkuk 3:19).
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, undoubtedly filthy from travel (John 13:5), then his were nailed to the cross when crucified (Luke 23:33). And we’re told in Revelation that John fell at the feet of the angel who showed him the signs of things to come, and he worshipped (22:8). Feet — seems God made them on purpose, and not just for humans but for angels and animals too.
We walk on them, run on them, and tiptoe on them. Yes, we’re born with them and, most often, we die with them. Makes me wonder — will we need feet in heaven? Still, I’d like to make sure as many people as possible find out, and so — though tired, though dirty, though weary and worn — I’ll keep mine moving to take the good news to all who will hear.
Because our feet were made to publish peace, bring good news of happiness, and offer salvation. Yes, to carry us with the message — our God reigns! He even calls them beautiful. And may it be so!.
