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Psalm 112:5-7 – It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Some days bad news surrounds us. We see and hear it on the news, and we experience unwelcome news in our own lives. The bad news we encounter, whether world, local, or personal, can be frightening. The psalmist knows all about bad news, but he suggests a different response. Those who are righteous are not afraid of bad news because they stand firm, trusting the Lord. We have a Savior who is stronger than any bad news.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus was very familiar with bad news. At a wedding in Cana, Jesus heard bad news that was especially unwelcome for the bride and groom. There was no more wine! During a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus’ terrified disciples woke Him with their own bad news: “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38b). While Jesus was teaching and healing, the news came that the daughter of a man named Jairus had died. After a long day of listening to Jesus, thousands of people grew faint with hunger, and the disciples did not have enough money to feed them. Jesus received the sad news that His friend Lazarus was seriously ill. Finally, the day came when Jesus heard the worst news of all, the terrible condemnation shouted by a hostile crowd: “Let Him be crucified!” (Matthew 27:23b).
Jesus is not afraid of bad news because He creates good news. Wedding guests rejoiced when He turned water into wine. He calmed the wind and waves and brought peace to His frightened disciples. Jesus went to Jairus’ home and woke his daughter from the sleep of death. The Savior multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish and fed thousands. He commanded that the stone be removed from Lazarus’ tomb and restored his friend to life. In His life and ministry, Jesus’ heart was firm. He trusted in His Heavenly Father, even in the face of His own death. Jesus knew that good news lay ahead for Him and for us all. For the joy set before Him, Jesus “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2b). With hearts firm in faith in our crucified and risen Lord, we are not afraid of bad news. We know that behind the bad news is the good news of Jesus’ peace and presence with us, the good news of His love and forgiveness and the good news of His power to save. Our hearts are firm, trusting the Lord! We do not have to fear bad news because we know the good news!
WE PRAY: Jesus, when I fear bad news, help me to remember the good news of Your love for me. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
- Bad news is not hard to find. How does our faith empower us when bad news is everywhere?
- How do our good and helpful works toward others mirror God’s righteousness and generosity to the world?
- How has God shown us that bad news is not the end of the story?
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