Good News

In considering the story of Jesus, I was reminded recently about the difference between who Jesus is and my testimony.

My testimony is a powerful account of that which I have witnessed and experienced by observation in my own life.  As it is true to me as one who has been through it I validate it and all you can do is suggest that I am somewhat deluded or mistaken, however earnest I appear to be.

The good news of Jesus Christ, however, is not dependent on my testimony.  The good news is not that I was bad and now I’m alright.  That is good news, but that is not the good news.

Reaching the end of the gospel according to Matthew, there’s a tremendous up-lifting feeling that highlights what the good news is.  That having seemingly been defeated by His earthly and spiritual opponents, Jesus the Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man, Son of David has overcome all obstacles and barriers.  He has overcome and defeated all before Him. He is now ruler of everything.  Unlike any human figure before Him, Jesus now rules supreme.

This is good news because death is defeated.  This is good news because every other ruler and empire that promised control, stability and peace and failed miserably in delivering on those promises is about to be swept aside by the heavenly rule that brings eternal peace, eternal stability, eternal joy and eternal harmony.

This is good news because the new Ruler and His rule is so full of mercy and compassion that people from all walks of life are invited and welcome to take their place with the King. Background, education, social status, bank balance, cultural and racial heritage, age, gender and all the other factors that are often used as barriers are the glorious diverse tapestry of people who form this new rule. All sorts are invited, all sorts are welcomed.

This is good news because the weak, feeble, misfit, outcast, maverick, rebel, neglected and downtrodden are considered in their low estate and they are taken up to sit with Christ in heavenly places.

Important and moving though my testimony is, at best it is just a useful backdrop and anecdote that allows people to listen further to the heart of the message.

When the women came across the empty tomb and the figures in white informed them what happened, the narrative states the women were full of joy and fear.  Is that how we feel at the good news?  Are we sometimes more concerned about the fear part? Isw the joy propelling us to share this glad tidings with people around us?

In the light of the amazing things Jesus does for us, is it any wonder that people captured and captivated just look for any opportunity to serve and see more of the Kingdom and the will done on earth as in heaven.

The news informs what we share with strangers.  The news pervades through what we talk about with friends and family.  It need not be overt and requiring scripture references ever other sentence.  It is being very sensitive to the Spirit’s move and sometimes let Him do what He’s doing without you.  Or likewise it can be times when I don’t feel up to it, until He that life in me as I look at the mirror begins to remind to whom I belong and where my power source is..

That’s good news worth sharing every day until we celebrate with the King of the Good News face to face for eternity.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden