Crisis ConvertedSample

Theme: Good news!

Crisis Converted Then:

Isaiah poetically uses three sets of the couplet, “Awake, Awake” (51:9; 17; 52:1). This final couplet is the climax of Israel’s awakening. The prophet imagines God strengthening Zion and liberating her from chains. God will make himself known again. The prophet then bursts into glorious song, “How lovely on the mountains!... all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of God!” 

The text turns again as the prophet returns to the theme of God as recreating the exodus, once again saving his people! Yet, whereas the people had to rush out of Egypt, this time they can move slowly in the security of God. 

Crisis Converted Now:

The term gospel (in Greek euangelion) literally means “good news.” The Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT used by Jesus and many of his apostles) uses the Greek word euangelion in Isaiah 52:7, “the feet of those who bring good news.” The same good news declared by the prophet of old has been declared to us today. In the same way, our feet are beautiful upon the mountain when we declare the good news. Sometimes, we forget that we have good news to share. We have a message of peace and salvation to share.