Nate’s Notes: Shout the Good News

  9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.  Isaiah 40: 9-11

Pass It On was one of my favorite praise songs as a high school and college student. The song has a beautiful and timeless message: once you experience God’s love then you will want to shout from the mountain tops letting the world know about Jesus.

Pass It On by Kurt Kiser

Verse 1
It only takes a spark to get a fire going and soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing; That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it you spread His love to ev’ryone
You want to pass it on

Verse 2
What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing; The flowers start their blooming
That’s how it is with God’s love; Once you’ve experienced it
You want to sing it’s fresh like spring; You want to pass it on

Verse 3
I wish for you my friend this happiness that I’ve found
You can depend on Him; It matters not where you’re bound
I’ll shout it from the mountain top I want my world to know
The Lord of love has come to me. I want to pass it on

We are so blessed that Jesus has already won the victory. He is the good news. Our role in the gospel (or good news) is simple. We are to be fishers of men (and women) sharing the greatest story ever told. This is the best Christmas gift of all: salvation to all who accept Jesus as the Savior and the Lord. The angels, shepherds, and wise men told the world about the greatest event in world history. The infinite Lord of Lords sent His only begotten Son to be born in humble circumstances.

The birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus are just as relevant today as when they took place. No person is too good, intelligent, or powerful for the good news. The Prince of Peace spoke with authority to military commanders, Roman governors, and religious leaders. He calls us to prioritize his kingdom and to sow the good seed of the gospel. Everyone needs to acknowledge Him, and every knee on heaven and on earth will bow to Jesus when he returns.

How in our day can we shout the good news from the mountain top?

We should pray for the Lord to aid us in our witness to the world. We can also ask the Father to send more laborers for the harvest. We need help.

We need to show that we care. We are to love people whether or not they ever become Christians. Whether or not they ever change, we can care for anyone.

We should ask questions. Almost everyone likes to tell their story. I know that I need to listen more and talk less.

We can ask for a response. Different people are in different stages in life. We could call upon someone to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior but not everyone is ready to make that commitment. Perhaps someone is willing to become friends, visit a church, read the Bible, or make another form of decision. The Holy Spirit changes lives. We are the instruments of Our Father.

Prayer: Lord, please strengthen our resolve to share the good news. We pray for boldness and also wisdom. Only you can change hearts, but you have called us to be messengers. May our heart’s desire be to make your name known to everyone and to share your love with all people. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.