Romans 10:14-15

Scripture Verse

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Beautiful Feet in a Wounded World

Lent is a season of holy slowing down—a time when we walk with intention toward the cross, listening more carefully to the quiet movements of God. In Romans 10, Paul asks a series of piercing questions that echo especially loudly during these forty days: How can they call on the one they have not believed in? How can they believe if they have not heard? How can they hear without someone preaching? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? Then comes the startling conclusion: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”

At first glance, feet seem like an odd place to find beauty. Feet are dusty, tired, often scarred. They ache from long journeys and bear the marks of where we have been. And yet, Scripture dares to call them beautiful—not because they are perfect, but because they move. They carry good news into places that desperately need it.

Lent reminds us that the gospel is not an abstract idea; it is embodied. Jesus did not shout salvation from heaven. He walked dusty roads, entered villages, sat with sinners, and allowed His own feet to be nailed to a cross. The good news travels on wounded feet. It always has.

Paul’s questions are not merely theological; they are deeply personal. They ask us to consider our own calling. Someone spoke the good news to us—through a parent, a friend, a preacher, a quiet witness, or a moment of unexpected grace. We heard, we believed, and we learned to call on the Lord because someone else was sent.

During Lent, we are invited to examine where our feet are going. Are they rooted only in comfort, or are they willing to step into places of need, misunderstanding, or pain? Preaching, in its truest sense, is not limited to pulpits. It happens in conversations, acts of mercy, forgiveness offered, justice pursued, meals shared, and prayers whispered in the dark.

Fasting, prayer, and repentance soften our hearts so that we can be sent anew. They strip away the illusion that we must be impressive or eloquent. God does not ask for flawless messengers—only faithful ones. The beauty is not in us, but in the good news we carry that Christ has come, suffered, died, and risen for a broken world.

As we continue our Lenten journey, we may pay attention to our steps. May we allow God to send us—sometimes far, sometimes just across the room. And may we trust that even weary, dust-covered feet can be called beautiful when they walk in love, carrying the hope of Christ to those who have not yet heard.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me in my weakness, doubt and unfaithfulness. Strengthen and equip me that I may be your faithful, diligent servant to bring your good news to others, by your grace and mercy.