The theme for our worship gathering at Valley Life Church this Sunday is First in Mission. As I was thinking about it, I was reminded that as Christians we are to be people of good news. This doesn’t mean that we need to be “shiny, happy people holding hands,” but rather people of hope. This was Jesus’ message when he read the following passage from the scroll in the synagogue.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to preach good news to the poor,
to proclaim release to the prisoners
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to liberate the oppressed,
and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
(Luke 4:18-19, CEB)
This passage is a message of hope for people who need good news. We receive good news from people who have received good news. We can’t give what we don’t have. So, how do we get the good news? This was Jesus’ first message he preached.
“The time has come, and the kingdom of God is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News.”
(Mark 1:15, GW)
We receive the good news when we change the way we think and act and realize that God is here, now, working with and for us for our good and God’s glory. It’s this change of perspective that allows God to bring freedom and healing in our lives, which establishes hope in us. It is this hope that we get to, in turn, share as the good news. Jesus’ message of hope from Luke 4 is also the scope of his ministry, which is now our ministry as the body of Christ.
If you have hope, share hope. If you need hope, reach out. I have learned that those who know and love us also have hope to share with us.
Grace and peace,
Brook
Man. Hope. I have been thinking, exploring, and grappling with what this means lately. Hope can be hard. But when you’re in a period of serious long-suffering and grief, sometimes things get completely stripped down- expectations, desires, plans, and all ya have is hope. We’re holding on tight over here. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Brooke! You just about summed up life for us here too. You’re right. Hope can be hard, but in the end it’s all we have to hold on to. The only reason I could even write about hope is because people were loving enough to share theirs with me. And with the little bit I know of your situation, your comment here is a word of hope for me. Thank you!