It’s happened again! I was on YouTube, waiting to listen to a worship song that had popped up on my phone, and there it was……the inevitable advert. An advert promising me freedom from aches & pains, renewed vitality, energy and zest; even (and this bit I was particularly keen on) a new younger-looking appearance! Wow, now I’m really interested!

So, I kept listening, intrigued to discover this revelatory new technique or information which will deliver such tantalising and appealing results for me. What is it I wonder? Maybe I need to avoid avocados, or (hopefully) Brussels sprouts!, (last time it was tomatoes??). Perhaps the secret is in the dung of the Gelada Baboon, liberally smeared on the skin for new radiant appearance. And in listening, I broke my own rule, which says, ‘if they don’t tell you what they’re selling within ten seconds, then skip the advert. (I recommend this rule!!)

To cut to the chase, as they say, several minutes went by, and you guessed it, still no open and honest disclosure of what was being ‘sold’. It kind of felt like being a fish on a line & hook, gradually teased and drawn in, until pulled out and thrown into the eventual metaphorical keeper net. At which point, having had enough, you’ll be pleased to know, I skipped the rest of the apparently eternal advert. 

So, I asked, what is it that yearns inside us to find out the answer to such tantalising approaches. Surely, it’s the promise of something better. A renewed body, peace, tranquillity and health.

The great thing about the ‘Good News’ of Jesus Christ, is that God simply tells it as it is. There is no divisive holding you on the line, wondering what the answer to truth, peace and eternal life is. The God who created the whole earth, and you and I, simply tells us: He made us, He loves us, He died for us, and incredibly offers all those things the clever advertisers are offering but does so transparently. He offers us ‘peace which surpasses understanding’ (Philippians 4:6) (an inner peace within the storms of life - something deeper and more real, that holds through the most horrid times); he offers us forgiveness form every single sin we have ever committed (John 3:16), no exceptions, when we truly ask. He even promises us all a brand new, completely whole, perfect body (I Corinthians 15), which we will have for eternity (Revelation 21:4).   

Jesus tells it as it is. No tricks, no clever sales techniques, just the simple invitation to turn to Him, be forgiven, and his promise that through life’s ups and downs he will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5), nor forsake us, and yes, one day, for all who place thee trust in Him alone, even a new body, in its prime! Now that is what I call ‘Good News’!

God bless you.

I have added a short prayer below which I invite you to share with me:

Father God, I thank you that you sent your only Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross for me, that I might be forgiven, fully of every sin, made right with you for eternity, even with the promise of being with you, where there is no more death, mourning, crying or pain, and that in the mean time you promise never to forsake me, for you are a faithful God never rejecting those who turn to you. Amen

Rev. Chris Willis – Curate, St. Albrights, Stanway