Accentuating the positive

Event-based reporting dominates our news.  Each day the media chases dramatic stories that will catch our attention, arouse our emotion, and create headlines that encourage purchase of their newspaper or viewing of their tv program or listening to their radio broadcast.  We tend to think of history marching past in terms of a succession of daily crises, disasters, and battles.  My sense is that the media prefers to report stories that elicit a strong negative emotion (fear, anger, disgust, despair, disappointment) to connect with folks at gut level.  Unfortunately the picture that is painted daily is of a world that is trudging through an endless succession of tragedies, mistakes and failures.  We can't deny the truth behind most stories reported, but.....it seems like all the wonderful "good news" stories about orphans being adopted, diseases being researched and cured, steady progress within countries moving from tyranny through anarchy to freedom, and marriages restored through reconciliation don't get nearly as much daily coverage.  Many of the good news stories are more gradual and progressive rather than explosive and "in your face" emotional.

 

The word gospel comes from old English words that basically mean "good tale" or good news.  The good news of Jesus and the reality of God's Kingdom never grows old and always is relevant.  I believe there is an aspect of the gospel that pertains to every news story we hear every day.  Either the demonstration of God's power through natural events (like earthquakes) or the willful ignorance of God's ways that leads to evil is demonstrated.  Rarely reported is the power of God, through His Gospel, to change hearts, restore homes, motivate help in disasters, and provide individuals with hope no matter what their circumstance.

 

The good news of God is breaking daily over the planet and if you watch closely, you may see it in evidence right around your own experience today!

 

Galatians 1:11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

 

blessings with good news,

Rob Smith