Prepare to Be Shot

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
 
Romans 10:14-15

If you're old enough to read this, then you've probably heard someone say "Don't shoot the messenger" before.

This caveat has always sounded good in theory.  But it doesn't always work, does it?  How many times have you had to deliver some news that you knew would not be received with open arms?  It might have been bad or controversial or news that could hurt feelings, and you knew going in that you could be caught in retaliatory crossfire. 

But then, you also knew that the message you were carrying was of such great importance that it didn't matter to you.  You knew in your heart that you were doing the right thing and that the recipient would ultimately be better off hearing whatever news you had. 

Perhaps this is how you've felt when you've shared the Gospel with someone before.  You were compelled.  You were convicted.  And as the messenger, you knew you might get "shot" if someone was hostile toward anything to do with Christianity.  But still, you shared the Good News no matter what bullets might hit you in return.

It's what Jesus must have felt like when he came to earth.  He was the messenger by which the message of the Good News was delivered.  And you either loved him or hated him (Isaiah 53:3).  He already knew what his outcome was going to be, but he was obedient—even to death. 

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near," Jesus preached (Matthew 4:17).  Those who really understand our condition and how much we need a Savior to save us from our sin, know that this is unbelievably good news (Romans 8:1-3a).  It's a lifesaving gift that only requires our belief for acceptance (John 3:16).

Jesus not only carried the Good News, he was the Good News.  He embodied his message, and the glory of the Father was revealed through the Son.  Those of us who have chosen to love Jesus and give our lives to him are challenged to become messengers, too.  "To go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation," (Mark 16:15-16). 

Earlier this week, as we celebrated a risen Lord and victory over death, I challenged myself to step up my messenger game and be willing to be "shot" when it comes to delivering this Good News with others. 

As I remember the message Christ delivered for me, may I be bold and do whatever is necessary to share the Gospel with others, so that the Father might say of me, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How long has it been since you've shared the plan of salvation with someone else?  Whether through words or through actions, ask God to equip you and display himself in your life today so that you will reflect his glory to others.  You are the messenger.  And your message can save lives!

Further Reading:

Matthew 5:16

2 Corinthians 3:18