How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation. (Isaiah 52:7)
Let me begin with this question: What word do the first two letters in the word Gospel spell? The word, of course, is GO. Did you ever consider how beautifully this one word describes the calling of every Christian at the deepest level of living out their faith in Christ? Please read on; it is my hope that today’s message will both challenge you and encourage you.
When you see a movie you really like, what do you do after it is over? If you’re anything like me, you tell others about it. When you have a great meal at a local restaurant, what do you do the next time you see a friend? If you’re anything like me, you tell them about it. We are hardwired to be evangelists; we share the good news of the things we like with those around us.
When we read through the gospel accounts, we see Jesus sharing the Good News with those around Him over and over again, whether they came to Him or He had gone to them. The question is: Can the same be said about our sharing the good news of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?
It’s true that we have been commanded to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and share the Good News about Jesus. But I much prefer to think of evangelism as a delight rather than a duty. Think about it this way: God has called you and me, broken earthen vessels, to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. He did not need to call us, but He did. God invited us to go on mission with Him, and that should cause us to respond to The Great Commission out of a sense of sheer delight, not duty.
I don’t know where this message finds you today as it relates to the “Go” in Gospel, but let me encourage you to reread today’s verse from Isaiah and meditate on it for a moment. We see that our Lord regards the feet of those who carry the good news of the Gospel to the world as beautiful. If that doesn’t light the fire of your faith and inspire you to Go . . . your wood is wet!
Remember, everyone needs God’s love because everyone has been made in the image of God. I know that it may feel a little scary to tell others about Jesus . . . maybe a LOT scary! I know that because there was a time when I felt exactly that way. But fear not! God will give you the words to say and Jesus has promised to go with you. For right on the heels of the command to “Go” came this promise: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Remember, you have a testimony of what God has done for you. Jesus told the man He healed of demon-possession to “Go and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” You can do that too! So . . . will you go?
One last word of encouragement for readers who live in the South Florida area and would like to learn more about how to fulfill the command to “Go.” We will be presenting our Disciples Making Disciples program—both in weekend workshops and as part of our Wednesday Family Ministry night—at Cross Community Church in 2019. Whether you are a member of our church or not, we would be delighted to have you join us and be encouraged and equipped to share your faith in the One who regards our efforts to share that faith as beautiful.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 