How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

A group from our church returned from walking in the footsteps of Paul through Turkey, Greece, and finally Rome. After two weeks we were all left inspired and exhausted! Each night we returned to our hotel ready to sit down and rest our tired feet. I came away with renewed admiration for Paul and that small group of Christians whom the Spirit empowered to change the world in the first few centuries after the resurrection. They walked mile after mile facing hardships and persecution that we can’t imagine and yet they persevered. I am sure their feet were tired as well, but that is not how Paul described them. Paul said those feet were beautiful.

Their feet were beautiful because they were walking those Roman roads to share the good news of Jesus. They were the people taking the message of Jesus to a waiting world. Paul is clear that salvation is an act of grace that comes from the Lord and yet also clear that we have a vital role to play in that process. If people are going to respond to the gospel and call on the name of the Lord, they must first hear and experience the gospel. That is not something that only occurred in the ancient times. That is still our role today as followers of Christ. Evangelism is not something reserved for the ordained or those with special gifts. It is a natural overflow of the realization of God’s grace and love for our neighbor. We are all called to share the gospel in our own context and participate in sending others to the far corners of the world.

For Reflection
When did you first hear and respond to the good news?
How might you participate in sharing the love of Christ in the week ahead?

Prayer
Lord, we thank you for your grace that saved us! We confess that you are Lord of all and ask that you inspire us to carry out our role in sharing the good news. Help us to live lives of love that lead others to you. Inspire us and equip us to have “beautiful feet” in this day ahead. Amen.