“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)
Those called to proclaim the gospel accept an extraordinary mission to declare the message of salvation, hope, and eternal life to the world. God, in His wisdom, has established this means for the gospel to be carried to the ends of the earth through the voices of His chosen servants.
The apostles were the very first of these New Testament preachers, commissioned by Christ Himself with the authority to teach, heal, and proclaim the kingdom of God (Matthew 10:7-8). Likewise, pastors and teachers today are called and entrusted with the care of God’s people, to feed them spiritually, and to build up the church. This responsibility is enormous, which is why God equips and empowers those He calls through the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead.
The importance of this divine calling is crucial because those who preach the gospel are God’s ambassadors. They represent Him in the world and carry the responsibility of sharing His truth. The authority to preach comes from God alone, and it is through this divine sending that preachers receive the grace and strength to proclaim His Word. The message they bring is the message of peace and reconciliation between God and man through Christ. This peace is what the world so desperately needs, which is why those who bring this message are highly valued in God’s eyes.
Because ministers are appointed by God to do His work, they cannot act of their own will or authority. No one can assume this role by personal ambition or human desire. As Romans 10:15 tells us, they must be ordained and sent by God, requiring complete submission to His direction. To take on such a sacred task without being sent is to step outside of God’s plan.
The calling to preach is also inseparably linked to the church. Preachers and pastors are accountable to the body of Christ and must uphold sound doctrine and integrity in their teaching. God has established order within the church, and this structure helps to prevent confusion and disorder. As Hebrews 5:4 affirms, no one should take the role of preaching lightly or appoint themselves to such a position without proper calling and ordination. This process assures the church and the world that the message being preached is not of human origin but from God.
This “good news” of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life is the most important message that can be delivered, for it brings transformation to the hearts and lives of those who hear and believe. Therefore, the feet of those who deliver this message are considered “beautiful” because they carry the hope of heaven. They are honored because they bring life where there was death, hope where there was despair, and light where there was darkness.[1] For this we thank God, not only for His message of peace, but also for His beautiful messenger!
Contemplations:
- The Call to Be Sent: When I think about the verse in Romans 10:15, I am reminded that those who are called to preach the gospel carry a great responsibility. They are sent to bring the message of peace, and without them, many would never hear the gospel. I need to support and pray for those who have been called to preach, as they fulfill a crucial role in God’s plan.
- The Authority of God’s Word: Preaching the gospel is not about sharing personal opinions or ideas but involves delivering the truth that has been entrusted to us through Scripture. Every word preached must align with God’s Word, as it carries the authority of heaven. This challenges me to discern carefully what I listen to and who I allow to speak into my life. I must seek out those who faithfully teach God’s Word and live according to its truth.
- My Role in the Gospel: While I may not be called to stand in a pulpit, I have a part in sharing the gospel. Romans 10:15 reminds me that every believer has a role in spreading the good news. Whether through conversations with friends, supporting missionaries, or living a life that reflects Christ, I can contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom. I must not shy away from opportunities to share my faith, knowing that I am part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world.
- Beautiful Feet of Those Who Preach: I often think about the “beautiful feet” described in Romans 10:15, which encourages me to view those who preach the gospel with gratitude and admiration. They bring a message of life, hope, and salvation, and I should honor those who are faithful to this calling, continually uplifting them in prayer.
Further References for Rom. 10:15:
52:7; Nah. 1:15; Eph. 6:15; Luke 2:10; Rom. 10:14
[1] George Gillespie, CXI Propositions Concerning the Ministry and Government of the Church, (Edinburgh: Evan Tyler .., 1647), 2.
