ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
Scripture: Romans 10:14-15
May 1, 2020
So how can they call on someone they don’t have faith in? And how can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard of? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the good news.
Thought for the Day: I look at my feet, and beauty is not a word that comes to mind. In ancient days, I have a feeling the feet of your average folk were even a bit rougher and calloused and worn. Yet the image of beautiful feet is a metaphor describing God’s method of using what the world might describe as unattractive and even yucky to announce what is amazing and life-giving. It is a joyful upending of a worldview created by the selfish and arrogant, the jealous and hateful. It is a profound reminder of how our worldview is shaped in ways we do not acknowledge, and we too often push ahead under an assumption that because we claim to be Christian, our words and actions are automatically Christ-like. Let us be thankful for the beautiful feet attached to spokespersons of the Gospel – those who have brought love and light to our lives, teaching us that we are not defined by what the world has stipulated as good, attractive and worthy. These beautiful feet attached to beautiful people have reminded us that we too are members of God’s beloved family with our own set of beautiful feet that need to carry the message of Good News to others.
Prayer: I give thanks for all those whose beautiful feet brought the message of your love, O Lord, to my life. Some of those feet are tucked into fancy dress shoes, while others are in sneakers or sandals or even choosing to go bare. However your message of love appears before me, let me perceive the beauty of the one who carries it to me. Amen.
