Good News!

The other day, a friend told me some exciting news, that would be interesting to keen bird watchers.
So, yesterday, Betty and I enjoyed a glorious walk and topped it off by watching assorted owls flying low over the meadows near Send, as the sun was dropping into the west. It was most exciting, and revealed to us our ignorance of owl recognition skills. But the experts told us what we had been seeing, and we came home satisfied.
Sharing good news is often quite easy, especially if there is a shared interest between the giver and receiver of the news. For instance, if another friend had told me of the exciting news from the Big Brother house, I would not have been very interested!
So, St. Paul tells us some vital aspect of our 'Good News sharing' ministry. 'For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?' (Romans 10.13-15)
Paul's basic position is that behind our sharing Good News is the hand of the Lord, who send and equips us to tell the story of what God has done for us in Jesus. Not all are interested to know what we are talking about, but some will be ready and open. s Paul observes, 'But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.' (Romans 10.16-17)
Often, we may say something one day, and perhaps weeks or years later, the person who heard the Good News responds. Leaving the outcomes to the Lord is part of our partnership with Him.
I find that I have to ask myself, "What Good News have you got to share today?"
Best wishes,
Richard