I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (NIV 1984)

This week our family memory verse is from Romans.  It is a little long, and you know Paul, he is a bit wordy.  Of course, I am not one to talk about wordiness!  Anyway, in explaining the meaning of it to the kiddos, we came across “the gospel”, twice.  The “gospel”: this is the Good News that we are free from the yoke of sin.  We are free from judgement.  And for me, the best gift of the gospel is held in this promise of Jesus: And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:20).  We are never alone – God has pulled out all the stops to rescue us, redeem us, and find a remedy for what ails us.  That is not just good, but wonderful news!

But the thing we often overlook with this “Good News”, is that it is not new News.  Where Paul says, as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith”, he is quoting from an Old Testament Prophet, Habbakuk (in Hab 2:4).  We think of the Good News as being something that began with the birth of Jesus.  What we don’t always remember, is that from the very Beginning God has been full of mercy and planning to redeem His fallen people.   And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head ,and you will strike his heel.” (Gen 3:15)…this prophecy is about Jesus defeating Satan and it comes when God is administering justice to Adam and Eve.   As a loving parent, He must give the “consequences” that mankind’s sin has earned – separation from Him.  Yet, at the same time, He is giving the  assurance that He will redeem us from those consequences; He will make a way to bring us back to Him.

The Good News is a story that unfolds from Genesis through the history of Israel and into the New Testament.  The Gospel is about God seeking His fallen people and His constant desire to be in relationship with us, despite our failings.  This is really Good News!!!

justAgirl…just like you!