Yes! There is Good News! 2.1.19

“As Jesus was walking along the way, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before Him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call me good,’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good except God alone.’” (Mark 10:17-18)

We may get into this “eternal life” question at some time, but I would like to ponder Jesus statement that “No one is good except God alone”. Have you ever run into someone who said, “The God of the Old Testament was mean, angry and harsh”? Perhaps you have said it yourself! Or maybe you know someone who thinks that God cannot be good because there is so much suffering in the world.

Since the beginning of time, from when Adam and Eve were created, has there been anyone who has known God the Father better than the Son of God, Jesus Christ? In the book of Matthew 11:27 Jesus makes this statement, “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” If ever there was a tight relationship it would have to be between God, the Creator of all things, and His Son, the Savior of all mankind.

A question for you: has the Son of God chosen to reveal to you the Heavenly Father? This is a very personal question. Many people go around talking about Jesus and how He has done many things in their lives; they preface their prayers with “Dear Lord” and so address our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But in Matthew 6:9, Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father …” And I very seldom hear people talk about what the Father has done for them in their lives.

And so it is good to understand your relationship with Jesus. It is also good to develop a closeness to the Father of all mankind. Jesus tells us He is good. Let’s let the scriptures tell us how good He really is.

Shall we take a look at a couple of verses from the book of Isaiah and consider his thoughts about our God and Father? “So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” (Is. 41:10&13) This One who desires to take hold of our right hand is God. Some may incorrectly state that the God of the Old Testament is harsh – but the God I serve wants, yes desires, my love and attention. He wants to strengthen and help me. Jeremiah tells it this way, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentation 3:21-26)

“He does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) Oh, there is so much more - God is good, all the time!!