In a world where we often hear the negative and bad tidings, it is really refreshing and encouraging to hear positive good news. Perhaps the world, and who we are without God gravitates towards negative bad news, and then loves to spread it around. Just take a look at your social media or the now constant barrage of news reports that we are updated on 24/7.
In contrast to this bad news is Jesus. His whole purpose was to bring tidings of great joy to all the earth. It’s what the angel declared on the night he was born. “Just then, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the City of David a Saviour has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:9-11)
When Jesus began his earthly ministry he again reiterated He was here to spread good news. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:18)
And that’s exactly what He did. Jesus spread tidings of good news, of joy, of healing, and restoration everywhere He went. Then as He left earth to return to Heaven He instructed all those who follow Him to carry on His mission. Go everywhere and spread good news – the gospel, to every person, everywhere across the whole world.
“And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)
It’s easy to get caught up in the bad news, and the negatives we see around us everyday. Jesus and His friend’s experienced that too as they were confronted by bad news, violence, sickness, persecution and negative talk where ever they went. But the power of the gospel; the good news is that it is brings light to the darkness, and relief to the oppressed. God’s good news is that we don’t need to be poor, broken, oppressed, unloved or hopeless anymore. Jesus stated that He came to destroy the works of the devil in our lives.
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. “(1 John 3:8)
The Good news is powerful if we will listen and receive it. It will set us free, lift our spirits, give us hope, and reveal our future. Plus it has the ability to change the life of everyone you share it with.
Today instead of focusing on all the bad tidings, which often get us caught up in negative comments and conversations, choose to turn your attention to the good, the lovely, and the things worth giving a shout of praise about. Choose to focus on the fact that Jesus is still declaring tidings of great joy to all the earth. He is still proclaiming good news to the poor, and freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.
Today instead of adding to the bad news, and the “pulling down” of others, do something constructive and use your voice, your comments, your conversations and your actions to spread the message of Jesus and His Good News across the earth.
Prayer: Lord I thank you that you are the hope of the world, and you are in control. Forgive me when I have got caught up in the negative, and have even helped spread bad news. I choose to focus on you, and your good news today. In Jesus Name. Amen.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)