Rev Renewal

Today, information is provided to us at the touch of a button.  Whether a computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, the internet search engines connected with these devices allow us to look up a virtual library of information.  Furthermore, we can use voice commands to ask the device to look up the information and have it replay it back to us.  With this type of immediate call and response to our inquiries, does it allow us to get excited about the information we receive?

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news (Romans 10:15b)”

In this proclamation, the apostle Paul is giving praise to those who can bring the good news.  This good news, however, was regarding Jesus Christ, and in the time of Paul, the only way this news was going to get to people was by word of mouth.  There was no formal printing press, no formal telecommunication set up, and no means of virtual communication.  Thus, it meant that people needed to share this good news by going to other people.  For many, hearing the message of Jesus Christ was truly life changing.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14)”

When it came to the good news about Jesus Christ, hearing this good news was necessary.  If people were not able to hear this news, the ability for them to believe in what had taken place was not possible.  However, for people to hear this news, it needed to be spoken to them.

“And how can they preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:15a)”

Finally, Paul proclaims that the ability for this good news to be preached to other people was by being sent out.  Paul was just one of the Apostles who was sent out into the world to proclaim the saving grace and good news about Jesus Christ.  Paul now is encouraging the Romans to do the same.  In their own way, they are being called to proclaim what they have heard from Paul.  Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection, has overcome the power of death and the devil.  We have received forgiveness of our sins and granted the promise of eternal life.  To Paul, this was not just good news, it was imperative for the people to hear.

With our growing technology and ability to share news in more immediate ways, the opportunity to share God’s word and message with others has become much easier.  May we seek to be the bearer of this good news.  May we ourselves delight in this good news.  No longer are we bound by our sinful natures but given freedom through Christ to live as redeemed children of God.

You and I are being called and sent out into this world.  We have heard the good news and now can share it with others.  May it be proclaimed about our testimony:

“How beautiful are those who bring the good news”

Blessings
Pastor Arlyn><>