I’m weary. Worn out. Battle-fatigued by the relentless drumbeat of bad news.
Alt-right.
Alt-left.
Murder.
Racism.
ISIS.
I’m reminded of the 60s musical, Stop the World—I Want to Get Off. Problem is, it doesn’t stop….and I can’t get off.
The headlines keep coming.
The bad news keeps multiplying.
The solutions keep failing.
This may sound strange, but that’s actually good news. The bad news proves the good news really is the Good News.
You see, our culture keeps trying to solve our problems by changing externals. Enact new laws. Post quotes and memes on social media. Hold vigils. Remove monuments.
As if these things will stop the hatred and the violence and the racism that flow from people’s hearts and minds. One friend recently posted, “I basically believe people are good.” It would be nice if she were right. But one look at our world spinning out of control proves her wrong.
All too often, people have developed their own solutions to stop the bad news. In fact, they’ll consider anything except the one answer that has stood for 2,000 years. They’ll consider every option other than the gospel of Jesus.
Did you know that “gospel” literally means “good news”? And here’s the gospel in its simplest form:
“That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (I Corinthians 15:3-4).
Sin separates us from God.
Yes, I know that sounds like more bad news. But if we don’t acknowledge the bad news, how will we recognize the good news? Besides, do we really need more proof that our hearts are not basically good?
There’s only one way to pay for our sin and be restored to our Creator.
The world doesn’t like the name Jesus. Sadly, His name is often used as a curse word. But the sacrifice of Jesus as a substitute for you and me is the only way God arranged for our sins to be paid for and forgiven. Jesus said it Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He’s the only way because He is the only one who was both holy God and perfect man.
We must make it personal.
Still, it’s not enough to acknowledge the problem of sin. Or that Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected. It’s not enough to say:
Sure. I believe.
Of course, yes, I grew up in church.
That’s good for you, if you need it.
It’s not enough to believe…if by belief, you mean the same thing as believing that George Washington or Abraham Lincoln existed in history, too.
It’s also not enough to grow up in church. Attending church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car.
And it’s not enough to encourage someone else to believe if they need it…because we all need it.
Trusting that what Jesus did, He did for you and me—personally—is the only way to be restored to the Father. The only way to change the ugliness in our heart for His righteousness. And ultimately, the only way for us to be restored to each other.
Tired of the evening news? Looking to stop the hatred? Weary of all the failed solutions? Receive the solution offered by God Himself. It’s the only one that works.
The bad news really does prove the good news…and that’s the best news of all.
Oh Ava you are so correct. What would we do in these perilous last days if we didn’t believe that Jesus is our redeemer and we have His beautiful hope ! Love you dear one. Jan
Thank you, Jan. Love to you, too!
So true and so timely. Praying for an awakening in our country.
Thank you, Jan. Yes, the problem is definitely spiritual.
Dear Ava, your words are so true, I couldn’t have said it any better! I was thinking the same thing today about the world’s spiritual problem. Thanks for your sharing.
Thank you, Dianna.
Now that’s what I call the silver lining! Love this.
Great way to describe it, Shannan!
Thank You Ava, I pray every day people will wake up & realize Jesus is the ONLY way.
I woke up yesterday with a fluttering heart, and wondered what was going on. I realized that I must have had a panic attack. I sometimes ban myself from watching the news that disturbs me so much. I did my usual morning devotions, (took an aspirin, just in case – sorry that’s pure Nursing reaction), and prayed. Fortunately, the Lord calmed me. The world doesn’t though. I wonder how God feels about all this craziness. When I see the crosses on the klan members, I think…don’t they know that Jesus wasn’t white on this earth? What is wrong with people! Thank you Lord that you treasure everyone! That is my good news…
Sadly, the world is certainly a panic-inducing place these days, Mary.
And you’re so right…just because people carry a cross or call themselves Christian doesn’t mean they are!
Ava my dear friend, once again God really spoke through
You! What a blessing you are to so skillfully write what
So many of us I’m sure in agreement with! I concur as
Does Ray, wholeheartedly, and what God is impressing on
Me these difficult days, is that we truly now more than ever
Are the only Jesus many people will see. A tall order, but
By God’s grace we can shine for Him as we know so well
You and Russ do! Thank you 😊 once again, and much
Love to you both and the beloved pups!
Thank you, Vicki. Yes, you’re right – we may, indeed, be the only Jesus many people will see!
Amen!!!!