Holston Daily Devotional November 26, 2020

Focus Scripture

Revelations 14:6

Messages of three angels
6 Then I saw another angel flying high overhead with eternal good news to proclaim to those who live on earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

Devotion

Three words immediately catch my eye when I read that verse: “eternal good news.” From early in the Bible, we read of a God focused on bringing good news to every person on this planet. When God called Abram, this desire was made clear: God wanted to bless all the families of the earth. Ultimately, that good news was expressed in the life, ministry, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Books written about him have their own genre - “gospel,” which means “good news.”

When a pastor is preparing to offer Communion, part of the liturgy includes inviting everyone to pray a “Prayer of Confession.” This is followed by one of my favorite parts of this meal. It’s where I get to say these words:

“Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!”

It’s been a tough year for everyone in our nation. There has been a lot of bad news. The pandemic alone has caused much pain and grief, but other situations, events and issues have piled on top of it to produce an enormous amount of anguish. Still, on this Thanksgiving Day, we have much for which to give thanks. I invite you to take some time this day to specifically name a few of those things in your own life and with your family and friends. On top of all those specific things we can name, the primary thing for which we can all give thanks is the “good news” of Jesus Christ, who showed us God’s love and said “You are forgiven.” Thanks be to God!