The Message Translatin (MSG)

Met any Christians lately who look like they just swallowed a lemon?

I read this translation of Zechariah 8 and instantly loved it. It puts in very simple and clear words what is expected from us as God's family. Yes, it's talking about the people of Israel and Judah, but Romans 2:29 tells us:

"...circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter (of the law)."

So this is also about us.

Zechariah 8:13 describes how the people of Israel and Judah went from being viewed as cursed (bad-news people) to being a source of blessing (good-news people).

Man, that's even more true today.

Jesus became the curse on the cross and dealt with sin and death so that we can now live under the blessing, AS a blessing. And Jesus commissioned us to spread the Good News. That makes us the Good-News People!

Now we all know what the Good News is according to the New Testament (in a word: Jesus!), but what is the good news according to Zechariah 8?

It says: "Tell the truth, the whole truth, when you speak. Do the right thing by one another, both personally and in your courts. Don’t cook up plans to take unfair advantage of others. Don’t do or say what isn’t so. I hate all that stuff. Keep your lives simple and honest.”

(Zechariah 8:16-17)

Yes, this is the Message translation, but I looked it up in the KJV, and it pretty much says the same thing there. 😉

Bottom line: don't do or say what isn't so. God hates that (!)

Don't abuse 'grace' to get away with bad behavior. Since I've been a believer, I've met I don't know how many Christians and Christian leaders who don't keep their word or their promises. It's like an epidemic. I hate it. More importantly, God hates it.

We should, especially as leaders, reflect God's nature here on earth. We're making God look bad, if we're untrustworthy, unfaithful, and break our promises.

You know, in a world that seems to drown (and thrive) in bad news, we have a unique role to play. We get to BE the good news.

Talk is cheap. BE the good news.

This life here on earth isn't the end of the line; it's a dress rehearsal for the real thing.

Be the Kingdom now. Be the blessing.

Be the Good-News People, people! 😊🙌🔥