"The News"

 

“The News”

 

The past couple of decades have seen the growth of 24 hour news stations on TV and radio as well as a myriad of internet news sites. In order to fill the time (what’s left after the commercials) many frivolous items show up which years ago wouldn’t have made the cut. This information overload has created news junkies and controversies which have sometimes led to divisions among families and friends.

Unfortunately most news sources emphasize bad news (crime, disasters, warfare, etc.). But our Lakeland radio station has a morning show called “Polk County Live” which always concludes with a “Good News Story of the Day” showing the positive side of human nature, a most refreshing departure from what has become the norm. May this practice increase!

But what we perceive as good news for us might well be bad news for others. For example:

*It’s good news if our favorite team comes out on top but bad news for the other team and its fans.

*It’s good news if our preferred candidate wins an election but bad news for the opponent and his/her supporters.

*It’s good news for owners and stockholders if a business prospers but can be bad news for the “Mom and Pop” ones which may suffer.

*It’s good news for a nation or coalition which is victorious in war but bad news for the enemy whose land is devastated and many of its citizens lost.

In a Christmas Day devotional this past year Dr. Mark Young, President of Denver Seminary (my alma mater) pointed out some great news which was delivered to shepherds some 2000 years ago: “…Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11, emphasis added). Jesus came into this sinful world for the benefit of all (“…God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live.” (John 3:16, emphasis added). Remember that this good news was delivered in a time of great trouble, much like the days in which we’re living.

People’s need for hope hasn’t changed—and neither has the news to bring it (“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”—Hebrews 13:8). Make 2024 a great year by looking to Him.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan