"Good News, From a Far Country"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

"Good News, From a Far Country"

    We all love to receive good news.  In times past, a letter from a loved one might herald a joyous event or experience.  Phone calls sometimes let us know of such grace, and in these days, emails and text messages may serve as the voice of blessedness.  I even recall opening a newspaper many years ago to discover a bit of good news! (many years ago!).

    In his epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul declares himself to be "an apostle, separated unto the Gospel (good news) of God (Romans 1:1).  The good news of God.  Who better from Whom to receive a message of joy and blessedness!  Particularly when we consider that "all we like sheep have gone astray," the Lord's good news comes to us as written with the pen of grace, on pages of mercy, as sent from a Heart of undeserved good will.  "The Lord is good to all, and His tendermercies are over all His works" (Psalm 145:9).

    We may open our Bibles today with the expectation of the Gospel of God.  The Scriptural news will speak of the Lord Jesus Christ, both in the shadows and foreshadowings of the Old Testament, and by the direct announcements of the New.  Indeed, the prophet foretold that a Child would be born, and a Son would be given" (Isaiah 9:6).  Angels heralded our Savior's birth with the salutation of "On earth, peace, good will to men" (Luke 2:14).  During His lifetime, the Lord Jesus declared of Himself, "the Son of man came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17).  On the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).  Angels again heralded the good news of resurrection - "He is not here, for He is risen" (Matthew 28:6).  Finally, the risen Christ ascended to Heaven to fulfill the promise of sending the indwelling Holy Spirit to all who believe, thus enhancing the Emmanuel (God with us) of His earthly lifetime into the abiding presence of God in our earthly lifetimes - "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).  Good news through and through, and forevermore, the good news of God Himself as published by His His Son, His Spirit, and His Word.

    We may receive no letter, phone call, email, or text in this day heralding good news.  Moreover, I challenge you to find such in a newspaper!  An open Bible, however, read with a humble, trusting, expectant heart prepared to be amazed by grace will result in the Gospel of God joyously proclaimed and received.  Heaven sends the message to earth, again, as written with the pen of grace, on pages of mercy, as sent from the Heart of good will…

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."

(Proverbs 25:25)

Weekly Memory Verse

    What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.

(Psalm 56:3)