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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 8, 2005 What’s Good News for You? |
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FRONTLINE DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2005 by Fritz Foltz
Matthew
4:23-25
Jesus spoke of his ministry as “gospel” or “good news”. To hear some
television preachers, that means he gives us anything we want. They ask us what
our problems are and promise that Jesus can solve them right now, if we have
enough faith. Sometimes that faith involves, as we all know, sending them money.
That understanding preys on the worst side of our human nature, the one that
wants everything that makes us happy NOW.
We should notice that Matthew qualifies “good news” by describing it as
“the good news of the kingdom”. In other words Jesus comes not to give
anything we want but rather to offer what God brings when he establishes his
kingdom. That might not be good news for everybody.
Matthew says Jesus’ ministry involves teaching in Jewish synagogues and
healing wherever he travels. We soon learn that teaching as he launches into the
three chapters of the Sermon on the Mount, setting standards such as loving
enemies, being faithful to neighbors, always telling the truth, forgiving all
sins against us, and even refusing to be angry. He describes what it takes to
live in a healthy manner in God’s creation. That involves not necessarily what
I want, but rather what is good for us all living together in community.
The second part of his ministry, healing all forms of sickness, disease, and
pain, is essential for that good news, because none of us lives continually and
completely this healthy life. Our sin causes all sorts of troubles that Jesus
heals. The Gospels make clear forgiveness is a form of that healing, the most
difficult according to some passages.
Hopefully knowing the secrets to healthy living in God’s creation and being
healed when we fail to do that sounds like good news to us. If it does not, we
should alter our dreams in order to get in step with God’s program. The
question is not what is good news for me but what is good news for all of us
living together.
I find myself responding to television preachers with cynicism, ”Right. Tell
me another one”. I do not expect God to reward my confession of faith
with cash or whatever else I think I must have NOW. Many of my wants are mighty
petty. On the other hand, I do think the teachings of the kingdom are the
basis for a satisfying life and a peaceful and loving society.
Okay, test it out. What would sound like good news to you today? Do you think it
belongs on God’s agenda? If it passes Jesus’ standards, go ahead and pray
for it. If it fails, think again.
Let us pray: O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all
just works: Give to us, your servants that peace which the world cannot give,
that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being
defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness, through
the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, God forever. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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