despised

 This week we begin worship with:

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains

    are the feet of him who brings good news,

who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,

    who publishes salvation,

    who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

This is the start of a victory song.  While the text points to a singular "him" that brings the good news, and may indeed point to John the Baptist, or our Lord Jesus himself, Paul rightfully expands this to every individual for it can point to anyone who brings the Good News.

Romans 10:15

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 

The song ends with the victory march.  Slow, determined, safe, and well supplied.

Isaiah 52:12

For you shall not go out in haste,

    and you shall not go in flight,

for the Lord will go before you,

    and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. 

What prompted this battle?  Why did God bare His holy arm (v. 10)?

Isaiah 52:5b

. . . Their rulers wail,” declares the Lord, “and continually all the day my name is despised. 

I awoke this morning hearing in my dream the name of our Lord Jesus Christ being misused.  My response in the moment was "May He have all the glory and honor due His Name".