GOOD NEWS DIVIDES
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Therefore, they stayed there a long time speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided...(Acts 14:2-4a... NKJ)
Here we are, in that controversial season of the year. Yes, it is Christmas, the time when we celebrate the Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Well some do, and some don’t. Some believe He is the Savior of the world and others do not. But then, that is not so strange, because the truth always causes division. There is always someone on the side of truth, and someone who is not. But, according to God’s Word, the day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
When the Angels came to the shepherds in the fields and announced the good news, they went to check it out. What was the result? They went away rejoicing. I really believe that anyone who will really check out the truth of the goodness of God and His salvation through Jesus Christ, will go on rejoicing at the same level they keep on seeking. Did you ever think about the fact that everyone did not believe Jesus was the savior on that first night. If they had, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, would have had a crowd with them for Jesus’ whole life. The shepherds believed it, Mary pondered these things in her heart, and life went one as usual.
There were glimpses of who Jesus was from time to time, but for some reason it never really caught on. Now days, just about anything will make national news, but the birth of our Savior gets run over by other celebrations. Still, the truth can not be stopped.
When Jesus began His ministry, the people were divided. John the Baptist even wondered once, and he was the one that said Jesus must increase. When He was crucified, His own disciples deserted Him…but the truth goes on. So, it is really not a surprise that there were people who tried to keep others from believing. What did the disciples do? The stayed long and kept teaching, and God confirmed the word with signs and wonders. Have you noticed that God is in to signs and wonders? They did not give up on these folks until they got news that they were going to try and kill them, and then they finally moved on.
So what about us. Everywhere we go, we are a living message of the birth of Christ. We are like the angels bringing good news, Simeon confirming it, Anna testifying, John preparing the way, the disciples and apostles, and yes even like Jesus declaring the Kingdom of God is at hand.(Luke 2 & 3)
Don’t be surprised if not everyone is willing to receive what Jesus(Christmas)means to you. But for your sake and theirs, don’t stop spreading the good news…unless of course they threaten to kill you! Then kick the dust off your feet, and move on.
This is a special time of year. Peoples hearts are softer…and yes some are harder and more brittle and breaking. What a wonderful opportunity for Christ to be born in their hearts. What a time for all who believe to go in confidence with this, the best news that anyone ever has ever or will ever hear. In all of your giving this Christmas(and oh how fun that is)be sure to remember to give the greatest gift of all. The good news of Jesus Christ.