Your God reigns

by Rachael Stelzer

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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).

For hours, days, and maybe weeks, they’ve been waiting. Straining their ears and craning their necks, they are desperate for news of the battle. Have we won, or have we been defeated again? The watchmen have been standing on the ruins of the city, looking in vain for the fleet-footed messenger.

And now those running feet, those beautiful feet, finish their journey up Mount Zion, to bring the weary exiles the news that ‘your God reigns’!

The messenger proclaims good news, peace, glad tidings, and salvation. In response, the people of God – ‘the ruins’ – burst into songs of praise. At the end of this passage, we hear the joy and relief streaming from God’s people at the comfort, the redemption, and the active work of God, as he ‘rolls his sleeves up’ to save them. This passage is sometimes used at Christmas to remind us that God has rolled his sleeves up and worked out our salvation.

Are you straining for news? Are you waiting to hear if the battle has been won?

I live in South-East Queensland, where many people are waiting for news of a battle in our area. Our brothers and sisters in Victoria, and Sydney, are waiting for news too.

It’s time to hear those beautiful words: your God reigns!

God reigns – not just over one nation but over the universe.

Let’s continue to be the sentinels who listen and look for God’s work in the world. Let’s be the messengers who comfort and encourage others with the hope and the faith we have in God’s salvation. And for those of us who are feeling like ruins, may we find a song of praise in the rubble, for God has rolled up his sleeves, and the risen Jesus is with us.

Sovereign God, we remember and acknowledge that you reign over the whole world. Hold us close as we wait for some good news. Remind us that your love and your salvation are the greatest treasures we could ever hope for. Comfort those who feel ruined at the moment. And help us to love in your name. Amen.