“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!”
(Romans 10:15)
God, in His infinite wisdom, ordained preaching as the chief means by which the message of Christ reaches humanity. Through the voices of His servants, the good news is carried to every corner of the earth, fulfilling the great commission of the risen Lord.
The apostles were the first heralds of this New Testament message, commissioned directly by Christ to preach, heal, and proclaim the kingdom of God (Matthew 10:7-8). Likewise, pastors and teachers today stand in that same sacred office by divine calling, entrusted to feed the flock of God, strengthen believers in the faith, and equip the saints for ministry.
No one may assume this role on their own accord. Romans 10:15 makes this clear: “How shall they preach, except they be sent?” True ministers are called and ordained of God, which means their ministry is a matter of obedience, not ambition. Hebrews 5:4 reminds us, “No man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” To preach without such a call is to speak without the authority of heaven. Therefore, those who preach must walk humbly, conscious that they stand as messengers of the Most High, accountable for every word they utter.
Moreover, the calling to preach is inseparably tied to the church. Ministers are not independent agents but servants within the body of Christ. They must uphold sound doctrine, model holiness, and lead with integrity. Their charge is to proclaim the whole counsel of God. In this, they act as shepherds under the Great Shepherd, guiding the flock with faithfulness and love. The church, in turn, is called to receive their ministry with gratitude and to pray earnestly for their faithfulness and perseverance.
Paul’s words in Romans 10:15 highlight the beauty of this ministry: “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace.” They tread upon the hard soil of unbelief, carrying with them the message of eternal hope, bringing life where there was death, light where there was darkness, and peace where there was war. Their beauty is therefore divine, for they mirror the feet of Christ Himself, who traversed Galilee and Judea preaching the kingdom of God.[1]
For this, the church gives thanks—not only for the gospel message but for the faithful messengers through whom God has chosen to deliver it. Their labor is often unseen, their sacrifices unnoticed; yet in the sight of God they are precious. Therefore, let every believer give thanks for those who preach the gospel of peace, praying that God would continue to raise up faithful laborers to declare His truth to all nations.
Contemplations:
- The Call to Be Sent: Romans 10:15 reminds me that preachers are divinely-appointed messengers who bear the responsibility of bringing the message of peace to those who have never heard. I am called to support and pray for those who preach, that they might stand firm and bold in their calling.
- The Authority of God’s Word: The preacher speaks with the authority of Scripture and not that of human wisdom. I must discern carefully what I hear, ensuring it aligns with the Word of God.
- My Role in the Gospel: Even if I am not called to a pulpit, I am called to witness. Whether through speech, service, or support, I can help advance the kingdom. The gospel belongs to all believers, and every act of faithfulness helps carry it forward.
- Beautiful Feet of Those Who Preach: Those who bring the message of salvation deserve honor and prayer for they bear the burden of the souls they serve, often at great cost. I should view them with gratitude, seeing their work as an act of grace and beauty.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
O Lord, Almighty God, how wondrous are Your ways and how glorious Your Word that brings life to the soul. You have appointed men to proclaim the gospel of peace and to speak Your truth to the nations. Thank You, Father, for those whom You have called, ordained, and sent into the world as ambassadors of Christ. Their feet are beautiful because they walk in response to Your call to carry the message that reconciles sinners to a holy God. We give You thanks for Your mercy that has chosen such a means to bring glad tidings of good things to a weary world.
Lord, I praise You for the gospel itself—the good news that in Christ Jesus, peace has been made between heaven and earth. You have not left us in our sin, but have raised up preachers to proclaim Your Son, crucified and risen for our redemption. Thank You for every faithful minister who, through sacrifice and labor, declares the truth of Your Word.
Strengthen them with grace, O Lord. Uphold their hearts when they grow weary, grant them boldness when they face opposition, and fill them with joy when the fruit of their work seems small. Remind them that You measure their faithfulness, not their fame, and that the crown You give endures forever.
Father, teach me also to value the ministry of Your Word rightly. Let me not take for granted the voices that speak Your truth week after week. May I approach the hearing of the Word with reverence, humility, and eagerness, knowing that through the preaching of the gospel, You reveal the power of salvation. Guard my heart against pride or indifference, and make me a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. Let the gospel take deep root within me, shaping my mind, purifying my heart, and directing my steps in obedience to You.
Grant that Your Church may ever be supplied with faithful shepherds—men who love Christ above all else, who will not compromise the truth, who will feed the flock with sound doctrine, and who will adorn their ministry with holy lives. Protect them from the snares of the world, from the deceit of the enemy, and from the weariness that comes with long service. Let their hearts be refreshed by Your Spirit, and let them find their joy in Your approval alone.
And Lord, stir within me a zeal to share in this ministry in whatever way You have appointed. Whether through prayer, encouragement, support, or personal witness, let me be found faithful in advancing the gospel. Make my life a reflection of the message of peace, so that those who see me may glorify You, my Father in heaven.
Bless, O God, every preacher of righteousness. Bless their homes, their families, their labor, and their congregations. Let the Word they sow bear fruit a hundredfold, to the praise of Your glorious grace. And when all preaching shall cease and faith shall give way to sight, may they stand before You rejoicing, their feet no longer weary, their message fulfilled in glory everlasting.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further References for Romans 10:15
Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15; Ephesians 6:15; Luke 2:10; Romans 10:14
[1] George Gillespie, CXI Propositions Concerning the Ministry and Government of the Church, (Edinburgh: Evan Tyler .., 1647), 2.
