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And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Those who preach the gospel are seen as particularly beautiful.<\/p>\n The word \u201csent<\/span>\u201d is from apostell\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto send away.\u201d The Greek word pemp\u014d<\/em> <\/span>also means \u201cto send,\u201d but its emphasis is primarily on the destination, whereas apostell\u014d<\/em> <\/span>emphasizes the purpose or mission. Our English word \u201capostle\u201d is derived from this word.<\/p>\n \u201cBeautiful<\/span>\u201d is normally the translation of the Greek word kalos<\/em><\/span>. In this verse, however, it is the word h\u014drios<\/em><\/span>, which literally refers to \u201cthe right hour or season.\u201d Figuratively, it is used in reference to a flower in full bloom or to a woman who is beautifully adorned and ready for marriage. Hence, it is a reference to something that is in its most beautiful state.<\/p>\n The word that is translated as \u201cpreach the gospel<\/span>\u201d is euangelidz\u014d<\/em><\/span>, from which we get our English word \u201cevangelize.\u201d This word is made up of eu<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cgood\u201d or \u201cwell\u201d and a form of angell\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which means \u201cto deliver a message.\u201d Our English word \u201cangel\u201d comes from this word, referring to a messenger of God. Therefore, we see that euangelidz\u014d<\/em> <\/span>means \u201cto deliver a good message\u201d or \u201cto announce the good news.\u201d<\/p>\n Before Jesus was taken up into heaven he gave His disciples specific instructions regarding what He wanted them to do. He said: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. <\/span>(Mark 16:15<\/strong><\/span>) Matthew recorded the message a little differently. Here\u2019s how he recorded it: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; <\/span>(Matthew 28:19, 20a<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Even though this message was specifically given to His eleven disciples (and later to the Apostle Paul), it is implied that we too are given the command to preach the gospel and to make disciples. Because the eleven were given this command, they are referred to as Apostles (ones who have been sent with a message).<\/p>\n Today\u2019s verse now gives us some insight as to how God views those who openly proclaim the message of salvation. He does so by quoting a passage from Isaiah:<\/p>\n How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good<\/span> things<\/span>,<\/em> who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”<\/span> (Isaiah 52:7<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n The reason for referring to the feet is because it is the part of the body that transports us to where there are people who need to hear the message. Our Father sees exquisite beauty in the preaching of the Good News of salvation.<\/p>\n For many of us, sharing the gospel message is difficult and we feel awkward doing so. But just because it isn\u2019t easy doesn\u2019t relieve us from the responsibility of doing it. Let\u2019s each one of us commit to sharing the gospel message with someone new this week. You may feel awkward doing it, but you may be awkwardly opening the door to eternal life for someone else! And, keep in mind that as you preach the Gospel to the lost of this world, you will be perceived by our Father as being as beautiful as a rose in all its glorious blooming splendor.<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.ministryofgrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/Signature1.gif\" "\\"Will\\"")
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