Monday; June 8


          When the people of Israel were facing their discipline and displacement as a nation walking away from God, they were constantly being warned about their need to return to godliness.  Many of God’s prophets predicted a gloomy future at the hands of their Lord and the nations around them.  Yet, periodically, there would be a message of optimism.  There would be someone who could look through the haze of hardship and shine a light of hope.  During the time of Isaiah, we are reminded of this kind message and messenger when the people were told, “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7).  In the midst of a dark and trying time there is a voice that brings hope.
          As I read this passage this week, I was struck by the need of a similar voice in today’s world.  We have plenty of people who are spreading the bad news, we need someone(s) who are willing to preach love, joy and hope.  We have plenty of pessimists discussing the hopelessness of our nation and the decline of our society, we need someone(s) who are willing to talk about the virtue that remains and the good being done.  We have enough purveyors of gloom and doom, we need people who are willing to buck the trend and spread the good news.  No, we cannot depend on media to do this – and quite honestly, it is not media’s job to make us feel good about ourselves.  This message must begin with you and me! 
          As we go through this week, let’s bring the good news of happiness to those we meet.  We may not be able to match the volume of the megaphone held by the media, but we can make a difference when we whisper the message of love and peace into the ears of the people we meet.
Think About It!

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