Today’s devotion is from Pastor Zach, based on Isaiah 52:7.
 
“How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
 
These words are prescribed to be sung before the gospel reading at ordinations, when new pastors and/or deacons are made. It says something, then, in this central act—the reading of the gospel—at services which make new leaders for the church, that announcing peace and bringing good news and reminding the world that it is God who reigns, is pretty important.
 
In the midst of turmoil and political violence, we as Christians announce and call for peace. In the midst of neighbors being targeted and dragged out of their homes, schools, and workplaces, we as Christians work to speak good news. And lest any of us thinks that we have authority to condemn other people, Isaiah offers a reminder that it is Godwho is above all of us.
 
We as Christians do this work with our feet. “How beautiful are the mountains are the feet of the messengers,” Isaiah says. We walk, we march, we accompany—we do not sit still while announcing the salvation of God to this world. And so here is a blessing for public witness, provided by the ELCA Worship office:
 
Blessed are you, O Holy One,
for you formed us in love, claimed us in baptism,
and set us free for lives of service and witness.
 
Strengthen us to fulfill the promises of baptism—
to proclaim Christ through word and deed,
to care for others and the world you made,
and to work for justice and peace.
 
Bless those who speak truth with clarity and courage.
Let their words be reflections of your mercy,
their cause be grounded in your justice,
and their witness be a sign of your peace.
 
To you, O God,
Source of life, Companion on the way, Fire of the Spirit,
be all glory and praise, now and forever.
Amen.