Good News! Great News! He is Risen!

By Pastor Jim Deck

During the normal course of my day I like at some point to watch some type of news broadcast to see what is happening around the world. Much to my disappointment the news carries the typical announcements of earthquakes, riots, murders, children being abducted, accidents…. well, you get the picture. It seems as though there is never any good news any more. Rarely do you hear of the good Samaritan who reaches out to the poor and downtrodden to help them in their plight. Or those who are facing situations of despair and rejection being given a second chance from someone, who, being moved by compassion, extends a benevolent hand to pull them to their feet.

My mind soon went to the times when I heard "good news" that reached my ears throughout my lifetime. Words like, "Yes", when I asked my wife to marry me, or the doctor saying (three times) "It's a boy" at the birth of my children. I believe we all can reminisce at the times in our lives when we heard the "good news" concerning births, marriages, jobs, vacations and many other events that give us that feeling of joy and warmth that we so dearly love to experience.

But I believe the greatest news the world has ever heard came at man's darkest hour. When the hope of the world was nailed to the cross after suffering untold tortures and ridicule. In the darkest hour the world has ever known soon came the "Good News" that no one expected. "He is Risen!" Can you imagine the feelings rushing through the disciples, as they were stunned at the words of Mary when she told them, as they secluded themselves in the upper room fearing for their lives? The thoughts of Peter as his mind returned to his acts of denial. The thoughts of Thomas as he searched the faces of the other disciples. The vivid images of John as he remembered Jesus hanging on the cross and watched Him give up His life. The rush of questions and nervous outcries of the disciples as they sought answers to this incredible news.

Yes, "He Has Risen." He has conquered death and the grave. He has fulfilled all He said He would do. Today He still is the greatest headliner of all times. Of all the good news I have ever heard, the greatest Good News is the good news of Jesus Christ. As we prepare to celebrate Easter, won't you make the effort to bring the good news of the resurrection of our Lord to someone who is waiting to hear Good News?

Comments