September 8, 2008
Good
News
Bad
news? The airwaves are full of it. Crime and scandal. War, rumors of war and
natural disaster.
Good
news. When was that last time you read much of that in the paper, heard it on
the radio or saw it on television? I'll bet it has been a long while.
Luke
4:18-21 NET
“The
Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news
to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the
regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to
proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it
back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were
fixed on him. Then he began to tell them, “Today this scripture has been
fulfilled even as you heard it being read.
Jesus
proclaims peace and good news
Nahum
1:15a NET
Look,
there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims
peace!
Matthew
4:23 NIV
Jesus
went throughout all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the
gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of disease and sickness among the
people.
Matthew
9:35 NIV
Then Jesus
went throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and
sickness.
Mark
1:14-15 NIV
Now after
John was imprisoned, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.
He said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and
believe the gospel!”
Jesus
is the bearer of our good news. What is the good news? Freedom from the penalty
of sin! Reconciliation with God! A fresh start and a new beginning! Spiritual
gifts. Holy Spirit! Eternity with God! Redemption and resurrection. Healing.
Restoration. Blessings beyond measure. No more need of fear or loneliness. Peace
and power. Forgiveness and fruit of the spirit. The list goes on and on.
A
drunkard made sober. An addict made clean. An adulterer made pure. A family
restored. A body healed. A marriage reunited. A sinner forgiven. A prodigal
returns.
That's
the kind of news I like to get. I'll take freedom in Christ and that good news
any day over the news in the paper and television.
I'll
take the good news of the love of Jesus over the fickle favor of people.
I'll
take the good news of peace that transcends all understanding and a God who will
stand with me no matter what over all the political promises and legal contracts
in the world.
I'll
take the good news of the glory of God over self glorifying people. I'll take
faithfulness over faithlessness. I'll take duty, honor, loyalty and
unconditional love over the alternatives every day.
Praise
God for the good news. Thanks you Jesus for delivering it in person and giving
us your word. Thank you Holy Spirit for coming to dwell in the lives of those
saved by the good news.
Darrel
Mason